SERC cyclists join FE 400-mile challenge for Air Ambulance NI

A SERC staff team will join colleagues from across the NI FE sector on Friday 17 June for a bicycle relay challenge to raise funds for Air Ambulance NI. The SERC cyclists will set off early in the morning to visit six of the college’s campuses before handing over to riders from Southern Regional College at Kilkeel.

The SERC team is supported by Decathlon, who are generously providing snacks and spares as well as offering a free bike check to the riders before they begin the challenge.

The ‘Further Education 400’ team, made up of volunteers from all six FE colleges, will cycle in relays, passing in total through 27 college campuses across NI, with the event starting in Belfast and finishing in Enniskillen.

Each of the six colleges will cycle between their respective campuses and pass a symbolic baton to the next college. The SERC team will cover just over 70 miles, starting from Bangor and pedalling to Newtownards, Lisburn, Ballynahinch, Downpatrick and Newcastle campuses on the way to Kilkeel.

The cyclists are seeking sponsorship to raise funds for Air Ambulance NI, a vital regional service, and the relay event demonstrates the collaboration and collegiality between the colleges in our work to make a positive impact on local communities.

Ken Webb, CEO and Principal of SERC who also chairs the College Principals Group says: “Our colleges play a vital role in the community, which goes far beyond education. ‘Further Education 400’ highlights this, bringing our sector together to support the fantastic work of Air Ambulance NI. A priority for us is to give our backing to third sector organisations that are doing amazing work to support our communities. Further Education 400 will no doubt help us make a positive impact.”

Damien McAnespie, Fundraising Manager at Air Ambulance NI said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with the Further Education sector for their ‘Further Education 400’ charity cycle. The money raised through this activity will no doubt make a significant contribution to the £2 million needed in fundraising annually to keep the air ambulance operational. We would like to thank all those involved, and we look forward to cheering on the many cyclists on the day.”

Donations can be made via GoFundMe.

Main picture above: (centre) Damien McAnespie, Fundraising Manager at Air Ambulance NI and Grace Neville, Collaboration Manager at Northern Ireland’s Further Education Colleges, pictured with members of the SERC ‘Further Education 400’ team, Andrew Megarry and Claire Henderson.

Pictured above: Claire Henderson and Phillip McKelvey from SERC with Lee Aston, Cycles Department Manager and Matthew Ferguson, NI Communications Manager, Decathlon.