Skyzdalimit group to benefit from John's Mizen to Malin trip

LAST September saw local Dromore veteran marathon runner and cyclist, John McCann, celebrate his 75th birthday by cycling 75 miles per day for five consecutive days from Mizen Head Cork to Malin in Donegal in aid of 'Together with Solace' a local mental health support group.

This year, John is pledging his support to another local charity, Skyzdalimit Theatre Group, who are an Omagh-based pioneering performing arts group promoting inclusion and diversity for people with a learning disability or autism.

This cross-community group promotes personal growth and development through music, dance and drama.

July 30 saw the launch of this cycle at Nature and Co Cafe Youth Sport Omagh where John was presented with a Jersey from Ritchie Donnelly.

Speaking at the launch, Ritchie, a former Tyrone GAA footballer, thanked John for taking on this epic cycle again for Skyzdalimit and with a laugh he said: "I'm a lot younger man than John and I certainly wouldn't dream of taking it on, but John's level of fitness is unreal and his mental strength knows no bounds."

This will be John's fifth time to take on the Mizen Head to Malin Head challenge. In 2008, 2009 and 2012 he successfully ran the distance running 37 miles per day for 10 consecutive days, a challenge that no one else has ever accomplished.

Speaking to the local paper earlier this week, John said now that I have run it three years in a row and having liked it last year, if it all goes well this September with God's help I may try it again next year.

A special word of thanks goes to the Sponsors: CrazyCabs Enniskillen, Classic Filling Station Omagh, C&M Motors Gortin Road Omagh for their back up, CopperTap Omagh, Nature and Co Youth Sport Omagh and Alan Armstrong Haulage, Dromore.

The dates for the cycle are; leaving Mizen Head on Wednesday, September 4 and Sunday, September 8. On Saturday 7, the plans are to arrive at Classic Filling Station approximately at 3pm where it is planned to have the members of Skyzdalimit families. All supporters are welcome to join in the refreshments.

John will leave Classic on Sunday morning at 7.30am to cycle the last leg to Malin Head.

A fundraising event has been arranged in aid of John's cycle at Asda Omagh on Saturday, August 17, where John will do a static cycle from 10am to 4pm. There will also be a coffee morning on Sunday, August 25 in Cappagh Parish Hall, Killyclogher from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

A just giving page is also being created and details will be advertised shortly. Lisa, a committee member from Skyzdalimit said: "We thank John most sincerely for taking on this challenge on our behalf and we ask everyone to please support John and us in this fund raising event."