The first ever SpinOff event to be staged in Co Derry was a “massive success.”.
Over 200 cyclists took part in Cycle Against Suicide’s (CAS) Sperrin SpinOff event, the first of its kind to come to Co Derry.
CAS’ main cycle finished up back in May, however in a bid to keep the momentum going, the charity has now introduced local Spinoffs.
The cyclists travelled through Desertmartin, Magherafelt, Castledawson and Bellaghy where they stopped for a break before travelling back to Draperstown taking in Maghera, Tobermore, Lisnamuck, Moneyneena and Straw.
It was local man, Malachy McGuigan who was instrumental in bringing the event to the county.
Having completed the main cycle on a number of occasions, he approached CAS and asked if Draperstown-based mental health group, S.T.E.P.S, could host one of this year’s SpinOffs.
On Saturday morning, the Back Row Centre in Draperstown was packed with cyclists, who came out to show their solidarity to the charities’ fight against suicide.
Newly appointed Health Minister, Michelle O’Neill even dropped by to lend her support to the event.
Karen McGuigan from S.T.E.P.S said that the SpinOff was a fantastic success and even hinted at the possibility of introducing a similar event next year.
She said: “The Sperrin SpinOff was amazing from start to finish, it’s been months in the planning by the local CAS committee Grainne O'Kane, Patrick O'Kane, Margaret Mc Guigan, Malachy McGuigan, Stephen McGuigan and Damian O'Hagan and that massive effort was evident on Saturday. It was down to their planning that the event ran so smoothly.
“We didn’t know what to expect but the atmosphere from start to finish was unbelievable. The Zumba warm-up and Samba band really created a buzz and that buzz lasted throughout the day.
“To stand on the stage on Saturday and look out at all that sea of orange and know a difference is being made is completely overwhelming. I hope the lasting legacy will be that people know they’re not on their own in this battle.
“We would not have been able to do this without the help of our many volunteers who were just so prepared to get stuck in and do whatever it took.
2I would like to say a massive thanks to everyone who helped out in the lead up to SpinOff and on the day itself including the local businesses and organisations whose generosity just blew us away,” said Karen.
Photo shows Malachy and Margaret McGuigan with members of local mental health group S.T.E.P.S, and local volunteers who helped out at the event. Included is local councillor Brian McGuigan and Sean Henry from Mid Ulster District Council.
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