Sile Stack and I, Marie-Therese Keating embark on a charity cycle to Lourdes in March 2026. Over 7 consecutive days, 90 people, including cyclists and support crews, will travel over 800 kms. We are going to start in Chartres, southwest of Paris and will arrive on Good Friday in Lourdes, 3rd April 2026, in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, in the south of France.
Lourdes holds a special place in our hearts as we both travel annually as the lead nurses with the Cloyne Diocesan Pilgrimage in bringing the sick to Lourdes. The cycle to Lourdes has been on our minds with a number of years. It is a meaningful, personal challenge and one which will help two charities in providing support to those who travel to Lourdes under their care.
Each cyclist on this journey must raise €3,000 in sponsorship and separately pay their own fare and accommodation.
We are cycling to raise much needed funds for 2 charities: the Rise and Shine and the Midleton District Lourdes Invalid Fund. Sile and I wish to raise €6,000 for the Rise and Shine charity for the purpose of providing young people with additional needs with volunteer supported holiday breaks to Lourdes. The remaining funds will be allocated directly to the Midleton District Lourdes Invalid Fund, supporting individuals with medical needs in the locality who wish to travel to Lourdes.
Please support and make it all possible for the young people, their families, and others who benefit greatly from the work of The Rise and Shine Trust and The Midleton District Lourdes Invalid Fund.
We very much appreciate your support, and we will pedal every kilometre for you all with gratitude.
Many thanks,
Sile and Marie-Therese
Organizer
Marie-Therese Keating
Organizer