Castlederg woman gears up for charity ride in memory of late mother-in-law

A DETERMINED Castlederg woman is shifting into high gear for a heartfelt cause, proving that pedal power can truly make a difference.

Linda Irwin, an inspirational mother and Campsie Omagh post office manager, is set to hit the road on Sunday, March 30, cycling the highways and byways of Tyrone in a 'wheely' special way to mark Mother’s Day.

Linda’s journey is fueled by a powerful reason - her husband, Arnold, and his two sisters, Wendy Cassidy and Paula Sachdev, will be commemorating the 50th anniversary of their beloved mother, Rebecca Elizabeth Irwin’s passing from cancer on March 28, 1975.

“I decided to mark the anniversary by cycling 50 miles to raise funds for the local charity, Care for Cancer,” Linda said. “Rebecca was only 35 when she passed, and I thought this would be a meaningful way to honour her memory. I’m not exactly a seasoned cyclist, so this challenge is a bit of an uphill climb for me - but I’m ready to give it my all!”

Thankfully, Linda won’t be riding solo. She has enlisted the help of her cycling-savvy friend, Sharon Craig, to help steer her in the right direction and keep her wheels turning. The route will take them from Linda’s home at Ednagee Road to Castlederg Cemetery, then on through Castlederg, Ardstraw, Newtownstewart, Gortin, Omagh, Drumquin, and back to Castlederg Cemetery - a true tour de Tyrone!

“I’ve been training as much as I can, but between work and the evenings getting dark earlier, it’s been a bit of a balancing act,” Linda admitted. “But there’s still time before the big day, and with Sharon by my side, I know I’ll cross the finish line with a smile.”

The kindness and generosity of Linda’s post office customers have already given her fundraising efforts a real boost, and her target is within reach. However, she’d be delighted if more supporters joined the ride - whether by donating, cheering her on, or reaching out via her Facebook page.

“Every little bit helps, and I’m so grateful for all the support so far. This ride isn’t just about raising money - it’s about celebrating the strength of families, the power of community, and the incredible legacy of Rebecca’s memory. I’ll keep pedaling forward, one mile at a time!”

If you’d like to help Linda on her journey, pop into the post office in Campsie or visit her or the Care for Cancer Facebook pages to show your support. Let’s help her make this ride one to remember!