Last weekend saw Erne Adventures’ very first Hydrobikeathon take place in Enniskillen. The event, organised by brothers Jonathan, Stuart and Peter Bradshaw, aimed to provide an opportunity for clubs, charities and groups to participate in the challenge of hydrobiking around the island town of Enniskillen over a 24 hour period with all proceeds going to charity. The event kicked off at 5pm on Friday, September 8 with entrants pedalling throughout the night, finishing on Saturday 9th September at 5pm.

In total 13 teams were represented and the total amounts of money raised across the entries to date is in excess of £20,000.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Peter Bradshaw said: "We have a unique opportunity to bring a more unusual charity fund raising challenge to Lough Erne. We recognise too that this year has been particularly difficult for many charities and causes where funding has been cut so we thought presenting the opportunity to raise money in a fun yet original way would be a worthwhile event.”

Peter continued: "We were delighted with the response and number of entries. Each team decided how they completed the challenge. Some decided to hydrobike for two successive hours at a time whilst others did a lap at a time, teams were well supported with some younger entries being chaperoned by colleagues, friends, team mates and coaches who accompanied them on a lap."

The winning team hydrobiked 150km - the equivalent to 50 laps, setting a fastest lap of 21 minutes 30 seconds. This is an immense achievement and the winning team picking up the prize of £200 was the Voyage Motorhomes Team who were entering for their chosen charity Cancer Fund for Children.

Local teams entered included Enniskillen Rugby Club raising funds for their club, BT and their chosen charity the Aisling Centre, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Lough Erne Landscape Partnership who are raising funds for a chair lift for the lough, Enniskillen Round Table, Irvinestown Boys Brigade, Glendurragh Community Childcare and Enniskillen Light Operatic Society raising funds for their organisations, whilst John Courtney Tree Surgery, was raising money for Cancer Fund for Children.

The public were very supportive of the event with a constant stream of people watching on from the riverbank and cheering on the teams.

Peter concluded: “We intend running the Hydrobikeathon event next year and look forward to more teams entering and more money being raised for charities. On behalf of the organisers we would like to express thanks to everyone who entered, to Fermanagh Omagh District Council for permissions to use the Broad Meadow, Waterways Ireland for their assistance, DJ BOB for the event entertainment and to the Erne Adventures and Castle Archdale Boat Hire staff who helped make this event a success.”