Its that time of the year again, when the Annual Mark Reynolds Memorial Motorbike Run takes place.
Sunday 12th July, 2015 at 2.00pm from Allingham Bridge, Ballyshannon.
All funds raised go towards the suicide prevention – bereavement organisation: GRASP Life Foundation for the provision of their services.
These include weekly Drop-in/ Counselling service in various locations including Enniscrone, Tir Hugh Resource Centre, The Mall, Ballyshannon each Tuesday and every Thursday from Niall Mor Centre, Killybegs. This year marks the 6th Annual Memorial Motorbike Run.
This event held annually with the support of his many friends and the Biking Community of the Northwest is in memory of Mark Reynolds, Creevy, Ballyshannon and late of The Spring Bar, Den Haag, Netherlands, who died on 5th July 2009, just 16 days short of his 39th Birthday. His going left a void that is felt across many countries, not least at home in Ballyshannon and in Holland but the determination of many to keep his memory alive and help others in the process goes some way to consoling those who miss him most of all..
Despite the event, sometimes, being hit with very bad weather in some years and clashing with other events, the numbers continue to grow each year. The local community are very loyal and turn out in great numbers to support this very worthy cause and their ongoing participation and contribution to the fundraising is very much appreciated by the family and his closest friends and the proceeds mean an awful lot to the continued provision of this service which we have been been able to provide through GRASP Life Foundation, with thanks to Donegal South Forum and Erne Enterprise who facilitate the roll out. More details on GRASP Life Foundation from 087 4188053 re intervention, etc.
Mark, in his too short lifetime, did much to help many folk, however, unfortunately, like many more in similar circumstances, he found it impossible to look for help for himself when it was needed, and paid dearly. We always re-iterate when we organise fund raising in his memory please remember it is OK not to be Ok and speak to somebody, and this same mantra has been taken up by Jim Breen of ‘Cycle against Suicide’ in more recent years; However, it cannot be said often enough. Hopefully, you will speak to somebody who will point you on the right track towards getting assistance in whatever form is necessary , if you ever find yourself in crises and no one knows when that may happen to anyone of us.
We will be getting into action this Sunday anytime from 10.30 am. This year Bikes will be displayed at the Gables, before lunchtime, with registration at Fin McCool’s @1 pm. Later they will line up at Maggie’s on the Assaroe Road. Bikers will assemble near the AllinghamBridge, Ballyshannon for the take-off at 2 pm, following the usual route after a lap of the town.
We hope to see all our old friends and supporters back here in 2015, so please SPREAD THE WORD AND BRING A FEW MORE PEOPLE, the more the merrier
There will be MUSIC, Ceol agus Craic at the Gables. Further updates over the next few days so keep an eye on Facebook.
| YOUR SUPPORT GRACEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGED AND APPRECIATED |
The proceeds from last year’s event also benefitted GRASP LIFE Foundation and they are totally dependent on such support. However, in 2014 we were indebted to James Foley of Electricity for Generations for a contribution of €4,000 and to the Meehan/ O’Malley Daly Families for over €1,000 from their Christmas Day Swim at Creevy Pier.
The bucket collection, raffle and some kind donations last year came to over €4,000, all of which helped assist our own people, as up to 65% of their calls for assistance to GRASP Life Foundation are coming from South Donegal. Many other people support us on the day of the memorial Bike Run by supplying a platform, a Tannoy system, a lead vehicle for the bikers, stewarding & Music, Catering by the Grimes Family, some food sponsorship, James Loughlin organises and leads the troops on the day and without him and those he rallies around him it would not happen at all, at all and Sundry others lend assistance whether as Bucket shakers or car drivers, all much appreciated, be very much assured.
So Once again Our sincere and Grateful thanks in anticipation to those traders who donate Food for the Bikers and Collectors, prepared by the Grimes family, the all important Bikers themselves and Marshalls, the collectors and drivers, the clergy who bless the event and An Garda Siochanna, for their co-operation.
We look for your support to make this event a success and raise as much funds as possible for this local suicide awareness charity, backed up by a professional and highly sympathetic Counselling Service and are very happy to say that once again we have been very surprised at the level of support that has been forthcoming in deepest recessionary times. People are, as ever, generous and supportive and many do so to honour Mark’s Memory, But for whatever reason they do it, the Reynolds family & Friends will be eternally grateful.
This group: Greater Awareness & Responsibility of Suicide Prevention work tirelessly through out South Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo and indeed further afield, in co-operation with other support organisations also in the area, so hopefully we will see some of you on the 11 & 12th July as this year’s permit entitles us to take up a bucket collection both days and if you have an hour to spare contact us please 086 8235034/ 071 9851031 !! Bikers wanting more info call 086 6059200 or find us on Facebook.