Fundraising
2nd May 2016
Three brothers from Northern Ireland - John, Thomas and Mark Kelly - have raised more than £13,000 for Shine by taking on the London to Paris cycle challenge and other fundraising efforts.
The trio were inspired by little Chloe, Thomas and Sylvia's daughter, now nearly four, who was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Thomas explains:
“Chloe is doing well now, better than the family were first told… She can walk and is progressing well. Shine has been very helpful to us and we wanted to give something back.
“My brother Mark spotted the London to Paris challenge on the website and said we should have a go. At that point we couldn’t cycle 3 miles let alone 350, but he kept saying we should do it, so we eventually said yes. Last November we started training – we spent a lot of hours on our bikes!
“When we started fundraising, I was taken aback: people were so generous. I think around where we live everyone knew about Chloe and the family.”
The brothers have raised a fantastic £13,437.4 for the charity through cycle events including the demanding London to Paris cycle challenge, raffles and fun days.
If you would like to know more about taking on a challenge, contact us on T: 01733 555988 or E: fundraising@shinecharity.org.uk
Chloe’s mother Sylvia, who hails from Ballymena, said of the trio’s success:
“I am so proud of the three boys on their fantastic achievement. We have been totally overwhelmed with everyone's generosity and kind wishes. Thank you to everyone who helped in any way with our coffee morning including donations, baking cakes, washing cars, knitting, and donating raffle prizes.”
Thomas’ advice for anyone thinking of taking on a challenge for Shine?
“Definitely go for it. It’s a good feeling and an achievement to have done it!”