IT has become a popular fixture each year, raising money for local charities, and on May 20 the Fisher Cycle Challenge returns for what promises to be another successful event. 
Kicking off at Severfield (Northern Ireland) in Ballinamallard the cycle challenge will include routes to suit all types of people, from the very competitive to leisure cyclists.
There are three routes to choose from; a 22 mile route, a 45 mile route and a 75 mile route which incorporates a competitive time trial element to the viewpoint overlooking Lough Navar and back down again.
Each year the cycle raises money for selected local charities, however this year the cycle will also be raising money for the Severfield Foundation National Charity Partner, Prostate Cancer UK. 
The Severfield Foundation was set up by the Severfield Group as a charitable organisation last year and, across the various sites in the UK and Northern Ireland has so far raised £52,000. The site in Ballinamallard has been particularly proactive in holding internal fund raising events such as a Sports Day, Coffee Morning and a Duck Derby and the support from all at the site has been overwhelming. 
“The generosity of the men and women at the Ballinamallard site is quite amazing, people just keep on giving,” said Trustee of the Severfield Foundation, Heather Williams.
“There have been occasions where we have put a small collecting box out in the factory with the intention that it is only for those wishing to put in some spare coins and we have had to replace these smaller pots with fund raising buckets to accommodate the amount of money the men throw in,” she said.
The Foundation will distribute funds both Prostate Cancer UK as well as each sites chosen local charities which, for the Ballinamallard site, are Cancer Connect NI, Fermanagh Stroke Association and Jengana. 
“One in eight men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, with 11,000 dying every year, making it the most common cancer in men,” Prostate Cancer UK’s Clare Williamson explained.
“Because Severfield’s industry is mostly male and have been given various awareness talks by volunteers from the charity who have emphasised the importance of research to find a cure for this disease, people are keen to help in any way that they can. 
“The three chosen local charities all have their roots in Fermanagh which is an important factor for Severfield and all carry out tremendous work within the local community as well as further afield.”
Last year, the Fisher Cycle Challenge raised £17,500 and this year it is hoped to substantially increase these funds. 
“The cycle is growing each year and we feel that the advantage of taking in the views across the Fermanagh countryside is appreciated by all who take part and who then encourage others to spend their Saturday morning on their bikes,” said Managing Director Brian Keys who set up the Fisher Cycle Challenge four years ago. 
“We would love to see more and more people taking part in this event, raising money for very worthwhile causes and, for some, seeing if they can take the coveted title of King or Queen of the Mountain in the Lough Navar challenge. With a 22, 45 and 75 mile cycle, we feel that there is something for everyone and they can then take a well-earned rest and enjoy refreshments back at our site after the event,” he said. 
Registration details for the event can be found at www.fishercyclechallenge.co.uk