Pictured with members of SMCC are representatives of the groups which received a donation from this local cycling club and commercial supporters (Powerhouse Sport, John Hanna Cycles and Daltons) of the fundraising Sportive cycle event.

The Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett was delighted to acknowledge the fundraising efforts of local cycling club, Saturday Morning Cycling Club (SMCC).

During a Sportive in April SMCC raised £4,000 which was split equally between the Mayor’s Charity the Mary Peters Trust and the Friends of Parkview.

The Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett, speaking about the fundraising, said: “To raise £4,000 from one cycling initiative is fantastic and I would like to commend SMCC on organising a very popular event with 240 eager cyclists showing up to complete either a 40 mile or 80 mile cycle.

“The commitment of this group is second to none as it was set up to not only have fun but also raise money from charity while doing something they enjoy. Each route took part within the Council area with the 80 mile route effectively being around the Council boundary. To have been gifted £2,000 for my Mayoral Charity by this local group is greatly appreciated and it will play a significant part in helping young sports people excel in their chosen sporting disciplines.”

Commercial supporters of the fundraising Sportive were John M Hanna Cycles for mechanical support, Powerhouse Sport for road backup, Daltons for refreshments, David McVeigh and Dany Blondeel of the Belgian Project for photography duties; and Lagan Search and Rescue.

Jackie McQuillan, Treasurer of SMCC added: “Firstly I would like to thank Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council for its invaluable support which helped to make this event as successful as it was. To have so many cyclists join our 50 members to raise money for worthwhile causes was humbling. I would also like to thank Lisburn PSNI for its tremendous support and guidance to get our first Sportive off the ground.

“As a club we are delighted to have the opportunity to help fund the new minibus for Parkview School. It is very important that this local school has suitable transport to take its pupils with learning difficulties and learning disabilities to activities outside of the school. It is hoped that we will be able to do a sportive each year and look forward to next year and more cyclists joining us as we tour the countryside.”