A NUMBER of cyclists from Fivemiletown RBL cycling club toured West Tyrone last Friday and Saturday to pay their respects to 43 murdered colleagues from 6 UDR, in an initiative that saw them cycle more than 180 miles.

Along with remembering and honouring those within the 6 UDR family who were murdered during The Troubles, the cyclists were also fundraising with their efforts, with proceeds being divided between two local charities who support military veterans and their families across West Tyrone: SEFF West Tyrone Gateway Service and MAPS, Omagh.

SEFF's Director of Services, Kenny Donaldson, said: “This was a special act of solidarity shown for the bereaved families of those murdered through terrorism.

“Late last year, the cyclists carried out this journey of remembrance across County Fermanagh in remembrance of all those connected with 4 UDR who were murdered; this time around, the feat was even more challenging, given the hilly terrain in several areas and the size of geography to be covered over a two-day period.”

He continued: “The initiative was well received and the cyclists were commended by many families for their practical efforts in honouring the memory of those stolen away through terrorism.

“In standing in Castlederg Cemetery on Saturday morning, you couldn't help but be touched by the scene of families gathered at their loved ones’ graves; there was a very real visual sense of the damage terrorism had wreaked within the area, and this was without the police and civilian families factored in to proceedings.

"We commend the cyclists for what they have done, and we were also privileged to work collaboratively with the bereaved families as well as MAPS, Omagh.”

MAPS representative Margo Hetherington MBE said: “I was humbled to be in attendance when the cyclists visited a number of graves and laid their crosses.

“To say that it was a privilege to be present was an understatement; the pride that I felt for these men carrying individual acts of remembrance was overwhelming.

“For more than a dozen cyclists to ride over 180 miles between small rural graveyards to lay poppy crosses for fallen comrades was an absolute credit to them all.”

She continued: “Primarily, this was a dedicated remembrance cycle, but they have also raised money for MAPS and SEFF to help us in our work with those connected to 6 UDR.”

Anyone who still wishes to contribute to the fundraiser can do so through GoFundMe, Fundraiser by Kenny Dunlop: Remembrance through Cycling (at gofundme.com).

As well as the GoFundMe page, the cyclists have had individual sponsor sheets running, and the club as well as SEFF and MAPS have received donations towards the cause.

At the time of going to print, it is believed that well in excess of £4,500 has been raised, with all monies to be assembled for an overall total to be confirmed in due course.