Charity cycle from Milford to Bolton in memory of the late Frances McGinley

Paul McGinley from Milford and a group of friends are taking part in a charity cycle this weekend to raise funds for Donegal Hospice and Bolton Hospice.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for these two organisations.

The group is cycling from Donegal Hospice and travelling to Bolton Hospice. Paul and 10 others will set off on Friday morning. Paul lost his mother, Frances McGinley, to cancer two years ago.

"She was in and out of hospital for two years and then finally had a short stay in Donegal Hospice before passing away," organisers say. "Frances was such a kind and giving woman who always put others before herself. She truly was a special woman. The McGinley family were so grateful for the care Frances received in the hospice and wanted to find a way to give back whilst also commemorating Frances. 

Paul McGinley, John McGinlay, ex-Bolton player and club ambassador, and Shauna McGinley at the Bolton grounds prior to the Wrexham game

Paul is an avid Bolton Wanderers fan. Both he and his wife Shauna are season ticket holders and try to make as many home games as possible. John McGinlay, ex-Bolton Wanderers player and club ambassador,  mentioned the good work the club does in supporting the hospice and so Paul decided to organise a charity cycle to benefit both the hospice that cared so well for his mother and also the town that have shown both of him and his wife such warmth and kindness.

The pair then set about looking for volunteers to join in with the cycle and also support crew to help along the way. He rounded up 11 cyclists in total (nine making the full trip and two doing the Irish leg). Paul's father Gerald McGinley was first to sign up. Gerald celebrated his 72nd recently and would put many of the family to shame with his level of fitness.

Paul's brother's Ciaran and Gerald McGinley are also accompanying him as well as his uncle Pat Hegarty, brother-in-law Mark Scott, nephew Dylan McGarrigle, cousins Eamon and Christopher McGinley  and friends, Ivan Scott and Lexie Diver. Six people will be following in a van to provide refreshments and encouragement along the way. 

They will be leaving the Donegal Hospice at 7.30 am on Friday and cycling to Belfast (197 kms) where they will get the ferry overnight. On arrival at Birkenhead the guys will set off on the next leg of the journey (84 kms) arriving at Bolton Hospice at around 11.30am on Saturday. The group will then head to the stadium for a well-deserved rest but not until they see Bolton beat Exeter

Paul set up a GoFundMe page, got sponsorship cards printed and is organising some local events to raise money for both hospices. If people wish to donate they can here.