Severfield (NI) Limited has launched its fifth Annual Fisher Cycle Challenge which will take place on Saturday, June 9, 2018.

The Fisher Cycle Challenge was the brainchild of Brian Keys, Managing Director of Severfield (NI) Limited in Ballinamallard, formerly Fisher Engineering. Brian wanted to hold a fund raising event to help local charities and, as a keen cyclist, he decided upon a charity cycle which would also showcase some of the stunning scenery in Fermanagh. 144 cyclists took part in the first year of the event, either on the 25 or 60 mile route and £6,000 was raised for NI Chest Heart and Stroke Association Baby Hearts Study – a charity chosen by staff and in support of one of the employees. The cycle added an additional route in 2015 when 196 cyclists took part and £10,000 was raised for Tinylife, NI Hospice and Regional Neonatal Unit - charities which again had been chosen by the staff in support of employees who had benefitted from the services that these charities provided. In 2016, 220 cyclists took part and raised £17,500 towards a new minibus for Willowbridge School and funds for Enniskillen Air Ambulance. Last year, over £22,000 was raised by the cycle with the monies going to The Severfield Foundation, Fermanagh Stroke Association, Cancer Connect (NI) and Jengana. The Severfield Foundation, a registered charitable organization, was set up by the Severfield Group. Through this organization, each of the Severfield sites raises funds for, and offering practical assistance to, charitable bodies throughout the UK, through the activities of Severfield employees and companies. The national charity chosen by The Severfield Foundation for 2017 and 2018 is Prostate Cancer UK.

Brian Keys has high hopes that they can top last year’s £22,000 for this year’s local charities which are RNLI, Start 360 and Action Mental Health (in conjunction with the Enniskillen Rotary Club). All three of the chosen charities have local projects which require funding to help them to succeed and which will benefit everyone in our local community. “The Fisher Cycle was started to support local charities which are at the very heart of our community and we are proud that we can see the funds that are raised benefitting friends and families of our local workforce as well as the community as a whole. The cycle now attracts people from all over the UK as well as seeing a huge turnout from our own employees. It is a great way of bringing everyone together, as well as an excuse to get out on your bike and take in some of the local scenery.” The cycle will have three routes, 17, 45 and 75 miles. The cycle is a leisure ride however, for those with a competitive spirit, as part of the 75 mile route, there is the popular King and Queen of the Mountain Challenge - a race to the top of Lough Navar drive. This year, as well as the coveted title of King or Queen of the Mountain for the winners of the challenge, there is also substantial prize money at stake. “Whilst we have had the same race for the past two years, we are hoping that the prize money of £500 for both the King and Queen, kindly donated by G R White and Son, will entice some additional riders to get some extra training in before the event on June 9.”

All three routes will depart from Severfield (NI) HQ in Ballinamallard and be fully signed, marshalled and provided with feed stations. In addition, cyclists will receive re-fueling snacks, chip timing record, and event technical t-shirt. Full changing and showering facilities will be available for all participants and refreshments, bbq and entertainment will be provided on return to Severfield. The 75 mile cycle will start at 0900, with the 45 mile route departing at 0930 and the 17 mile at 0945. Entries can be made via www.sientries.co.uk and go to Fisher Cycle Challenge. The early bird rate of £20 is available until May 18, after which the entry fee is £25. Entries can also be taken on the day, however t-shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed at that stage.

Information is available via the event Facebook page and at www.fishercyclechallenge.co.uk , including detailed maps and arrangements for the day of the event. Entries can also be made via www.sientries.co.uk and go to Fisher Cycle Challenge.