One local councillor is swapping council chambers for Christmas cheer this month as he prepares to take on a festive challenge in support of the Children’s Cancer Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
TUV councillor Keith Ratcliffe will embark on his self-styled ‘Ride to the North Pole’ this coming Saturday, December 13, raising funds for a cause he says is “incredibly important”.
The event – a static cycle in Hunter’s Supermarket in Markethill – will take place from 9am to 6pm.
Keith has set up a JustGiving page with a fundraising target of £2,000, hoping the community will rally behind his charity push during the Christmas season.
In his appeal, he said every donation – no matter the size – helps offer hope to children battling cancer.
Cllr. Ratcliffe said: “I am delighted to be running another charity fundraiser this year in Hunter’s Supermarket.
“Christmas is a time for families to come together, however for many families, with children battling cancer, this can be a particularly difficult time. With many parents taking the opportunity to enjoy special time with their children at this time of year, the sad reality is that for some parents this time will be spent by a hospital bed this Christmas.
“It is a joy to watch the happiness and excitement in the eyes of children at Christmas time, to think for some that this may be robbed by cancer is hard to accept.
“It is a startling fact that in Northern Ireland, between 60 and 70 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.
“It is for that reason, the team and myself are hosting this event to try and make a small difference for those children this Christmas.
“All money raised will go towards buying Christmas gifts to those children who will spend their Christmas Day in the Children’s Cancer Unit.
“Together, we have raised over £5,500 over the last two years and I look forward to adding to that figure this year. So please call in with me and the team in Hunter’s supermarket on 13th December as we seek to make Christmas a little brighter for those children fighting cancer.
“My best thanks goes to Hunter’s Supermarket and staff also Dee from Club V02 Gym for providing the bikes, I would also like to thank the public who have been generous over the years.
Those wishing to support the councillor’s effort can find his JustGiving page here.
