Tour de Munster Charity Cycle Raise over 85,000 for the Chernobyl Children's Project International for their Chernobyl Heart Appeal

10 December 2009

Cycling legend Sean Kelly reconfirmed his commitment to the Charity Cycle "Tour de Munster" last Saturday at a dinner he attended with the cyclists who took part in this year's 600km charity cycle around Munster. This year's tour managed to raise over 85,000 for the Chernobyl Children's Project International for their Chernobyl Heart Appeal. This means that 85 children will benefit from life saving operations which will correct heart defects caused by the repercussions of the Chernobyl disaster.Sean Kelly has been involved with the tour for the past three years.

Miriam Forde, Fundraising and Communications Manager also attended the dinner at the Silversprings Moran Hotel. Adi Roche, CEO of the Chernobyl Children's Project International was unable to attend as she was attending an international conference on heart disease.

Each year, for the past nine years since the Tour de Munster first began, there has been a different beneficiary for the cycle. Tour de Munster organiser Paul Sheridan who has been involved with the tour since its inception said;

"In these days of doom and gloom we should be very proud of the funds we raised which will make the difference between life and death for babies in Belarus. The life-saving operations bring great joy to families and communities. After the Tour this was really brought home to me when I received a card from a couple who simply wanted to acknowledge the great miracles performed by doctors like Bill Novik who is part of the team of surgeons who carry out these operations. They are parents of a child who underwent heart surgery in Ireland and are incredibly grateful for the outcome. Their card was accompanied by an anonymous and incredibly generous donation."

Paul is currently planning next year's tour which will take place in August. Cyclists who are interested in taking part in the tour should contact Paul Sheridan by emailing tourdemunster@googlemail.com or for more information please see www.tourdemunster.com.