Paul Gill gets on his bike for charity

A Buncrana man, who is a wheelchair user as a result of an accident seven years ago, is to undertake a bike challenge to raise funds for the Irish Wheelchair Association. Paul Gill will cycle for one hour using a stationary bike in Buncrana Leisure Centre on Monday, August 9 next, and you can help him raise money and also be in with a chance to win a fantastic prize, by guessing how many kilometres he will complete in the challenge. All proceeds raised will go to support the services provided by IWA in Donegal. Paul avails of personal assistance in his home through the IWA Assisted Living Service which allows him to carry out errands and every day jobs he otherwise might find difficult. Last year, OWA provided over 73,000 hours of Assisted Living Services and almost 45,000 hours in Day Care Services to IWA members in Donegal. Speaking at a recent training session in Buncrana Leisure Centre, Paul said he wanted to raise as much money as possible to show his appreciation for the service. He said: “The training is going very well and I hope to raise some much needed funds for my local IWA centre. The Assisted Living Service (ALS) has meant I can continue to go about my daily activities, hobbies and interests with the support and encouragement of my personal assistants. “I would love to raise a substantial amount to show my appreciation for all they have done for me. I am a member of Buncrana Leisure Centre and have been attending it for five years now. With the assistance of many dedicated people, including personal assistance (IWA), leisure centre staff and use of the equipment from Pat Gill for the past three weeks, this challenge would not be possible.” If you’d like to help Paul raise funds, take a guess at how far he can cycle in one hour. Sponsor cards are available from IWA Donegal Centre and Paul and his wife Patricia will also be distributing them through local towns. By guessing, you will be in with a chance of winning one of the many special prizes generously donated by local shops and businesses. Helen Martyn, IWA director of fundraising, said they were “delighted” that Paul decided to raise funds for services in his local area. She said: “The funds raised will be used to support the many important services being provided in Donegal, including ALS, five-day centres, transport services, motoring advice, respite and holidays.”