Tag: charity

Mayo Cyclists take on ‘Everesting’ challenge in aid of Croí & Mayo Mental Health Services

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A group of Mayo mountain bike enthusiasts are taking on the Everesting challenge – ascending and descending a total of 8,848 metres, the elevation of Mount Everest, to raise much-needed funds for Croí, the heart and stroke charity, and Mayo Mental Health Services. The off-road cycle challenge, happening on June 19th, will take place on the iconic pilgrimage trail of the Western Way, which is located on the Westport side of Croagh Patrick.

The trail being used in this challenge, known locally named as Skelp, is 700m long with 88m of elevation per ascent. To achieve the 8,848 meters needed to complete this challenge, the team will ascend the mountain over 100 times! This challenge will be intensely physical and will be a huge test of the group’s physical, mental and technical endurance.

The mountain bikers are among the first-in-Ireland to take on an off-road Everesting challenge, also claiming three extra Everesting achievements with the route ticking the classification of ‘Soil’ – requiring you to get dirty whilst climbing; ‘Short’ – you have to go steep; and ‘Significant’ – a climb that is iconic.

The Mayo mountain bike group, led by Padraig Marrey from Ballinrobe, are trying to promote off-road cycling and bring it to the masses. “If we can get kids off-roading from an early age it will make them better bike handlers. It’s so much fun and a great way to keep kids involved in cycling,” says Marrey.

Donate now in support of this incredible challenge, in aid of two local charities. Visit www.idonate.ie/everestingoffroad or contact padraigmarrey@gmail.com

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Croí Courtyard Apartments Revamped for Families in Need

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Croí, the heart and stroke charity, provides a vital accommodation service to the families of loved-ones receiving heart or stroke care in Galway, recognising the important role loved-ones play in a patient’s recovery. The three ground-floor Courtyard Apartments at Croí House offer a free place to stay just a ten-minute walk from Galway University Hospital.

The Courtyard Apartments at Croí are in high-demand and open all year-around, with Croí supporting over 100 families each year from across Ireland and the globe. The apartments offer a safe and comfortable place for families to stay during a very difficult time, when their loved-one is receiving heart or stroke urgent care.

With thanks to the generosity of Aurivo, the globally-focussed Agribusiness which is headquartered in the North West of Ireland, funds raised through the co-op’s Charity of the Year Programme have contributed to a recent refurbishment of the Courtyard Apartments, which are beautifully revamped and ready to welcome families once again. Over the course of 2019, Aurivo employees organised many fundraising events in aid of Croí, with funds generously matched by the co-op.

Commenting on the re-launch of the Courtyard Apartments, Donal Tierney, Aurivo CEO said: “Aurivo is delighted to give back to the local community and support Croí and their work. This charity is close to our hearts as some of our staff and their families have benefitted from their services. We take great pride in our Charity of the Year Programme and it is an important part of our Corporate Social Responsibility and Origin Green Sustainability Strategy.”

Pictured from left: Raymond Barlow, Chairman, Aurivo, Neil Johnson, CEO, Croí, Donal Tierney, CEO, Aurivo; Marilyn Philips, Group Head of Human Resources; Christine Flanagan, Director of Fundraising, Croí.

Aurivo witnessed first-hand the importance of the Courtyard Apartments when a member of their team required the service. Energy Manager, Marty Dervin, from Ballina, has worked with Aurivo for over 30 years. He travelled to Galway in February 2019 after experiencing a problem with his heart stents. Marty, who suffered a heart attack in 2011, had previously been unaware of the Courtyard Apartments: “Croí facilitated me and my family with a place to stay and the opportunity to have my procedure carried out on the day rather than a reappointment with prolonged anxiety and waiting. It is brilliant to have a facility like this in Galway. I am delighted that Aurivo supported Croí as our Charity of the Year for 2019. Croí is close to our hearts.”

Speaking at the re-launch of the Courtyard Apartments, Croí CEO Neil Johnson said: “This generous support by Aurivo and our community will allow Croí to continue to provide much-needed accommodation for people at a time when they need to be as close as possible to a loved-one. We could not provide these facilities without this support, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their incredible and continuing contributions.”

To learn more about the Courtyard Apartments at Croí, please see here.

Croí Corrib Cycle Announces Exciting New Routes for 2021

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BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN FOR CROÍ!

Croí, the heart and stroke charity, has announced the return of its annual Croí Corrib Cycle with a special, limited-capacity ride-out taking place on Sunday, July 11.

Following last year’s cycle cancellation due to COVID-19, the hugely popular fundraising event is returning with an exciting new innovation for 2021 which will see the cycle starting and finishing in the picturesque village of Maam Cross. 2021 is the 27th year of the Croí Corrib Cycle and Croí is especially proud that Corrib Oil has been its primary sponsor during all of that time, since the very first ride-out in 1995.

With so many people eager to get out and see the world again, and with such a picturesque itinerary and a great cause to support, interest is expected to be intense this year. In line with COVID-19 guidelines, places will be limited to a maximum of 300 participants and start times will be staggered to allow for social distancing.

Participants are therefore being urged to sign up early to secure their spot on the start line in Maam Cross – simply visit www.croi.ie/cycle or contact fundraising@croi.ie

There will be two scenic routes to choose from – an 80km and a 110km option. Both routes will start and finish within the grounds of Peacockes Hotel in Maam Cross. The 80km route will take cyclists from Maam Cross, towards Leenane, along Loch na Fooey, towards Finny, Clonbur, Cornamona and finishing back in Maam Cross. The 110km route will take cyclists along a similar starting route before venturing to Toormakeady, Maumtrasna, Clonbur and returning to Maam Cross.

Ride On!
Christine Flanagan, Croí Fundraising Director, is thrilled to be hosting events in the real world once more:

“We are delighted that our first physical fundraising event of the year will be our cycle on July 11. This cycle is synonymous with Croí and we are really looking forward to getting people back safely on their bikes and on the roads around Maam Cross. All funds raised from this event are vitally important to us to ensure that we can continue our work at Croí, leading the fight against heart disease and stroke in the West of Ireland.”

Registration costs €150, of which €50 is to be paid upon registration. Participants then have the option to either fundraise the additional €100 or pay the full amount on registration. Roadside assistance, support vehicles, refreshment stops and post-cycle food will be provided on the day, with social distancing and safety precautions uppermost in mind. All registered cyclists will receive a specially-designed Croí cycle jersey, water bottle and face covering, as well as being entered into a raffle to win a fantastic cycling equipment package courtesy of West Side Cycles.

Register now at www.croi.ie/cycle

Win a Volvo with Croí

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*Raffle now closed*  Winner announced, read more.

Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity, is delighted to announce the opportunity to win a brand new Volvo XC40, worth over €40,000 (plus – you get to choose the colour!).

Visit winavolvo.ie to purchase your ticket and be in with a chance to win this fantastic prize. Tickets for the Croí ‘Win a Volvo’ draw are available now for just €20.

The new XC40 is Volvo’s first compact SUV. It is compact but spacious, delivering an excellent drive every time. The XC40 mixes bold looks with stylish interiors, comfortable materials with ingenious storage, class-leading safety and cutting-edge technology. This incredible prize is presented thanks to the kind and loyal support of Kenny Galway and Volvo Cars Ireland. Kenny Galway’s Volvo dealership is located at City North Business Park, Tuam Road, Galway city.

All monies raised will directly support the fight against heart disease and stroke. “The impact of COVID-19 will be felt for a long time to come. Many doctor and hospital appointments and procedures have been delayed or postponed, many people have delayed seeking medical help, and now we have an even greater burden of disease,” says Croí CEO, Neil Johnson.

People living with heart disease and stroke need our support now, more than ever.

Brian Kenny, Kenny Galway, with Christine Flanagan, Croí.
Brian Kenny, Kenny Galway, with Christine Flanagan, Croí.

Please support us. Tickets cost just €20, with bundles of 3 tickets for €50 or 7 tickets for €100. Visit winavolvo.ie to purchase your tickets now. The draw will take place on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021.

Discover The Beauty Of Ireland’s West Coast With Croí’s Couch To Wild Atlantic Way!

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Join Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity, this St. Patrick’s Day on a virtual mission and discover Ireland’s stunning West Coast with Croí’s Couch to Wild Atlantic Way. Embrace the Wild Atlantic Way of life by running, walking or jogging part of this spectacular coastal route over the next six weeks on this virtual mission. Your progress will be tracked through an interactive map, where people can sponsor you along your way.

“We launched this event last year to give people an exciting virtual mission in support of Croí, while adhering to the guidelines. Our interactive Wild Atlantic Way map connects people with the beautiful west coast, even from their local 5km,” says Croí’s Fundraising Director, Christine Flanagan.

Demand for Croí services has increased throughout the pandemic, with Croí responding to the needs of those living with heart disease and stroke with a range of new services, including a free telephone helpline, Heartlink West; virtual stroke support groups; virtual fitness classes; and online webinars and health chats.

“We hope you will join us on this virtual mission. Your support is vital to Croí– every euro raised will help the fight against heart disease and stroke,” says Flanagan.

Registration is just €15, and all registrants receive an eco-friendly Couch to Wild Atlantic Way medal, PLUS participants who raise over €50 will receive a Wild Atlantic Way t-shirt!

Register now at www.croi.ie/waw. Let’s fight heart disease and stroke together, one step at a time.

Send Hope and Love this Christmas with Croí Cards

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Inspired by the hopeful words of Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, Croí has launched its 2020 Christmas Card Collection, featuring extracts from the President’s poem, Take Care:

In the journey to the light,

the dark moments

should not threaten.

Hold firm.

Take care.

Come home

together.

The special 2020 edition cards (12 total) feature new images, including a stunning snowy photograph of the Long Walk in the Claddagh, Galway, and the majestic Mount Errigal in Donegal. All cards carry words from the poem Take Care and a Christmas greetings in both Irish and English. The pack costs just €6.99, with all proceeds supporting Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity, in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Cards are printed in Ireland, supporting Irish jobs.

It’s been a tough year. Let your loved ones know that you are thinking of them, especially if you cannot be with them this Christmas. Send hope and love with a Croí Christmas card.

The 2020 Croí Christmas cards are available to purchase through local outlets or online at www.croi.ie/ChristmasCards.

Have heart this Christmas and send Croí cards!

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Croí, the Heart and Stroke Charity, launched its stunning 2019 Christmas Card Collection this week, available to purchase in local shops and online at www.croi.ie/ChristmasCards. Send a Croí card this Christmas and show real heart, while supporting families affected by heart disease and stroke in your local community.

New this year is an image from Co. Mayo of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain. Paddy Finn’s photo of a snowy Long Walk is a top favourite, along with Nathan Wynne’s images from the Galway Christmas Market.

Each pack of Croí cards contains 12 new designs this year, including photographs from local, Galway photographers. All cards carry Christmas greetings in both Irish and English. The pack costs just €6.99, with all proceeds supporting the fight against heart disease and stroke.

The 2019 Croí Christmas cards are available to purchase in local shops, including Joyce’s Supermarkets, Evergreen Healthfoods, Headlines Newsagent and Matt O’Flaherty Chemists. See the full list of locations or purchase the cards online at www.croi.ie/ChristmasCards.

Music: Wish Background Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
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