By Violet Brown
TWO Portavogie men with a combined age of 152 will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime when they embark on a 100 kilometre cycle ride around the Ards peninsula.
William Bailie (75) and his friend George Young (77) are taking on the challenge on Saturday, May 16, to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The ‘Two Auld Men on Bikes’ endeavour has galvanised widespread support in the community, with events planned to coincide with the cycle ride aimed at raising more money for this worthwhile cause.
People are being encouraged to join the men at 7.30am for their departure at Portavogie Primary School where tea, coffee and scones will be provided.
A similar event is planned for the afternoon with tea, coffee and traybakes at the school from 2.30pm to welcome them home on their return which is expected at approximately 3.30pm.
There will also be bucket collections at shops along the route.
A ‘Vinted Live’ sale is being held in the school from 11.30am to 2pm with people encouraged to donate pre- loved clothes and to shop for a bargain find among these vintage items, while enjoying an afternoon of fun.
Money raised during the ‘cash-only’ sale will also go towards Cancer Research UK.
Anyone interested in booking a table should contact Andrea Harper on 077 9975 4469.
George’s daughter Nichola Mahood has been helping prepare George for his epic journey, and has joined him on his training.
Her mum – George’s wife – has been fighting ovarian cancer for the past three years and the money raised is being directed towards research into ovarian cancer.
“The two men wanted to do something to help early detection and research,” Nicola explained. “By the time ovarian cancer is caught it is nearly too late.” Portavogie Primary School caretaker, William Bailie began cycling around the peninsula during the Covid lockdown. Last year his friend George Young began joining him on Sunday afternoons.
“I’m not getting any younger and it was going through my head that I would like to do something before I pass on” he said. “I had a sister who died from breast cancer; cancer is a shocking terrible disease which could happen to anyone.”
William, who has never cycled this distance before, said he was looking forward to the ride on May 16 ‘a wee bit’.
Describing the scenery on the Ards peninsula as ‘absolutely beautiful’, he added the vista changed every day.
“Some days it is sunny, some days it is wet,” he said. “Some days the tide is in and some days the tide is out.”
Agreeing the scenery on the Ards peninsula was ‘lovely’, former fisherman George Young said his favourite spots were the bar mouth outside Portaferry, and cycling along Strangford Lough.
If anyone would like to support William and George on their journey you can make a donation on the day or visit their Facebook page ‘Two Auld Men Charity Cycle’.
