More than 100 cyclists have begun a five-day cycle to Paris from Dublin this morning as part of an attempt to raise funds for the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF).
The IHF's first Dublin-Paris Cycle has raised some €350,000 for the organisation. The 105 cyclists are expected to arrive in Paris on Thursday, travelling through the towns of Bayeaux, Lisieux, Bernay and Evreux on the way.
Organised by the IHF and tour firm Irish Cycling Safaris, participants had to raise €3,500 each to take part in the event. They will cover about 100km per day on the trip.
Chief executive of the IHF Eugene Murray said the trip was not a challenge for the faint-hearted.
"The IHF is very grateful for their fundraising efforts which will be used to support our extensive development programme which includes extending palliative care to people with illnesses other than cancer; developing a Children's Hospice Home Care Service and putting hospice principles into hospital practice," he said.
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan, waved the cyclists off this morning.
"The cyclists can embark on this trip, in the knowledge that their efforts will be of great help — it won't be an easy trip, but it will be extremely worthwhile," he said.
A second event is beign organised from Spetember 13th to 18th.