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Callum Cycles 50k for 50 years
On the 14th of May, local schoolboy Callum Smyth will be cycling 50k for a charity on a route from his home in Maghera via Kilrea and Coleraine eventually ending up at his destination in Portstewart.
Callum is currently studying for his GCSEs at Rainey Endowed School in Magherafelt.
Callum says he has inherited his love of cycling from his dad Peter.
Peter Smyth was well known in the local community and was a member of many Cycling Club's before he sadly died in a road traffic accident on the 20th of February 2019.
Callum is doing this charity cycle in memory of his dad who would have been celebrating his 50th birthday on the 13th of May 2022.
Callum’s chosen charity is the Olive Branch. A local, free of charge, counselling service. He chose this charity as it is all about helping others, something he says his dad would have approved of.
The services of the Olive Branch are more in demand than ever, many pressures are present in our daily lives, especially as we strive towards covid recovery and absorb negative news stories from around the world. The pandemic has tested our mental resilience: enduring the isolation of quarantine periods, being separated from families and friends, home schooling and restricted social interactions. Everybody copes differently.
For those needing support, the Olive Branch’s aim is to give immediate access to a mental health counselling service.
Fundraising is critical to ensure that the Olive Branch can meet the increased demand for its services. In this respect, I will be thankful for all donations given as I cycle 50k for 50 years.