Cyclists of all abilities encouraged to join Fort2Fort Charity Cycle 2024 raising vital funds for the Mercy university Hospital Foundation

The annual Fort2Fort Charity Cycle returns for its 13th year, and will take place on Saturday, 8th June, starting at Camden Fort Meagher, with a choice of routes around Cork Harbour. Cyclists of all abilities are welcome, and they can choose to cover 60km, 90km or 120km.

The popular sportive will once again raise vital funds for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation’s Cancer CARE Centre, and four Cork City and County Lions Clubs (Cork, Carrigaline, Cobh and Bishopstown), as well as Carrigaline Men’s Shed and Passage West Men's Shed. Since its inception in 2012, Fort2Fort has raised more than €380,000 for local beneficiaries, and  welcomed over 5,000 cyclists from 14 different counties across Ireland. The 2023 cycle saw 349 cyclists participate, raising €24,223.

Encouraging cyclists to get on their bikes on 8th June, Cian Delanty, Chairman of Fort2Fort said “We look forward to welcoming back many of the participants who have supported the event in the past; but would very much like to see many new faces taking to the roads with us this June. With views around Cork Harbour that can rival any in the world; and the uniqueness of a ferry ride incorporated into the mix; I would encourage anyone considering participating to come join us for what promises to be a very memorable day.”

Funds raised for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation will go towards the newly opened Mercy Cancer CARE Centre. The Centre is home to the flagship Psycho-oncology service which is delivered by Clinical Psychologists and is available to patients (child/ adolescent/ adult) with a cancer diagnosis who attend the Mercy University Hospital, as well as their family members. The Cancer CARE Centre features several group and individual therapy rooms, with interactive IT systems and a modern comfortable environment to make cancer patients and their families feel they have as much information and support as they need as they deal with an extremely difficult time in their, and their loved one’s, lives. 

Speaking about the services they offer at the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre, Dr Tara Houlihan, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Psycho-oncology at the Mercy University Hospital said “Our team offers psychological support to patients and families at every step of the journey – following diagnosis, during treatment, and beyond - and we provide assessment and a range of psychologically-based therapeutic interventions matched to the patient and their family’s emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual needs.”

She added “Bringing this project to fruition would not have been possible without the support of those who have cycled Fort2Fort over the last number of years, and of course all the sponsors; and for that, we sincerely thank them. We must not forget that continued support will be essential to continue to offer this vital service to patients and their families.”

An early bird registration fee of €45 is available until 1st May. After that the entry fee for Fort2Fort is €55 for those that register in advance; while the entry fee on the day will be €60, so early registration is recommended. A food stop will be available at Bramley Lodge for all cyclists before the return cycle back to Camden Fort Meagher.