Fort2Fort cycle raises over €24k for Cork charities

More than €24,000 was raised for local charities at Cork’s annual Fort2Fort Charity Cycle event.

At a special presentation event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island on Wednesday, organisers announced that €24,152 was raised through this year’s event, bringing the total raised since the cycle’s inception in 2012 to almost €429,796.

This year’s event, which took place in June, was the 14th edition of the fundraiser, seeing 298 cyclists taking part in the cycle around Cork Harbour.

Funds raised from the event have now been distributed to 10 local beneficiaries.

This including the Mercy Hospital Foundation, four Cork city and county Lions Clubs, encompassing Cork, Carrigaline, Cobh, and Bishopstown, as well as the Passage West and Carrigaline Men’s Sheds, Camden Fort Meagher, Crosshaven GAA, and Crosshaven AFC.

Rachel Stevenson, who is the CEO of the Mercy Hospital Foundation, which received more than €6,000 from this year’s event, said the organisation is “dedicated to helping make every patient’s journey at The Mercy as dignified and comfortable as possible”.

“We are deeply grateful to all the cyclists, volunteers and donors who make this event such a success each year,” said Ms Stevenson.

Cian Delanty, who is the chairman of the Fort2Fort Charity Cycle said the event is “more than just a cycle”.

“It’s a chance to connect, to give back, and to experience the beauty of Cork Harbour together,” said Mr Delanty.

“We’re hugely thankful to everyone who took part this year, as well as our sponsors for their continued generosity and support as we endeavour to continue to support worthy causes in Cork.”

This year’s Fort2Fort Charity Cycle was supported by Cork County Council, Ahern Roberts O’Rourke Solicitors, MCK Electrical, Michael Pigott Auctioneers, Cork Truck Services, Mallow Road Motors, The Edge, Sketchers, Kellogg’s, Carbon Group, Brian O’Kennedy & Associates, RJD, Radisson Blu Hotel Little Island, and Green Circle Marketing.