Pharmacists across Ireland are set to do their part to challenge mental health stigma by taking part in a fundraising cycle organised by two Mullingar brothers.
The Frontline Cycle will see up to fifty pharmacists from all across Ireland get on their bikes and cycle more than 230km – from Dublin to Galway over 17 and 18 July.
Now in its third year, the Frontline Cycle is a fundraising event that encourages pharmacists to fundraise on behalf of a nominated charity each year.
This year organisers have chosen to fundraise for First Fortnight, a mental health charity aimed at challenging mental health stigma. First Fortnight organises an arts festival every January and also provides an art therapy service for members of the homeless community.
The cycle is organised by Mullingar-based pharmacists and brothers, John and Robert Keane. Launching the event, Robert Keane said: “We’re really excited about this year’s cycle, which is already shaping up to be our largest event to date.”
“As pharmacists, mental health is an area where we work closely with our patients every day and we are delighted to support First Fortnight and their aim to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in Ireland. We’ve had huge support from sponsors over the years and this year is looking like our event will be even bigger with many sponsors on board already”.
First Fortnight, a mental health charity, arts festival and service provider, will be the beneficiary of this year’s cycle. Co-founder/director David Keegan added: “As a provider of art psychotherapy to those experiencing homelessness and mental ill health, First Fortnight has huge respect for the role played by frontline health professionals in our communities. Pharmacists are on that frontline when a person is in a place of distress and vulnerability and thus the name of this fundraising cycle is very apt.
The Frontline Cycle begins in Dublin’s Phoenix Park on Friday, 17 July at 9am and will end in Galway on Saturday, 18 July.
