Latest news with #ChrisBennett
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Cork town to host a 5km walk to raise awareness for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
The 5km walk will begin outside Macroom GAA at 11am on Sunday, and is expected to be a 'lovely event' according to Fundraising Team Lead Chris Bennett. 'It will be a lovely event, especially if the weather is fine. 'Families and dogs will be very welcome to come along and join us on the day. 'It will give people the chance to take part in a nice old walk, meet our volunteers and find out a little bit more about what the charity does,' he said. The charity will celebrate its 50th year in operation next year and has, in its lifespan to date, provided independence and mobility for people with visual impairment and support for families of children with Autism. Mr Bennett added that the charity is very proud of its Cork roots. 'We are known as a national charity, but we are proud to be known as a Cork-based charity. 'We are one of the few charities that would have all their main offices and everything in the county. 'We are also looking for volunteers in Macroom and parts of West Cork to help us with our fundraising campaigns,' he added. Volunteers will be raising funds for the charity outside Dunnes Store on Saturday from 9am until 2pm. They will also raise money in Macroom town centre on Friday from 9am to 2pm. Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind recently announced a partnership with Munster Technological University to provide training programmes for their dogs across their six Cork and Kerry campuses, and Mr Bennett described the partnership as 'fantastic.' 'The partnership with MTU is fantastic because it gives us access to their campuses across Cork and Kerry as well. 'For dog trainers, that's gold because it allows them to work with dogs in a variety of different environments and distractions. 'You can imagine on a campus there will be cars, grass cutting, potentially other animals walking around and these distractions can only help the dogs to learn and deal with them,' he concluded. If you want to become a 'puppy raiser' please contact: pups@ or phone 0818 506 300.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bournemouth man to ride UK on tall bike for charity
A cyclist is set to ride the length of the UK on a tall bike. Chris Bennett, from Bournemouth, will cycle from John O'Groats to Land's End in June. The 1,050-mile journey will be completed on an adapted tall bike, raising funds for the charity Wheels for All. The charity provides cycling opportunities for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. Chris, who is currently training for the challenge, said: "This challenge is about so much more than just completing the ride. READ MORE: Dorset: Digital champions reach golden milestone Charity ride sees Bournemouth man tackle UK journey on adapted bike (Image: Wheels for All) "I want to shine a light on inclusive cycling and the incredible work Wheels for All does in making cycling accessible for disabled people and those with additional needs. "Training has been tough, but I'm motivated by the knowledge that every mile will help make a difference." The charity has a nationwide network of hubs that deliver cycling sessions on specially adapted cycles to those who need it most, regardless of ability. Chris's fundraising goal will directly support Wheels for All's work in bringing the joy and freedom of cycling to people of all abilities. Nicola Henshaw, head of fundraising and development at Wheels for All, said: "We are in awe of Chris' commitment to this challenge. "Not only is he taking on an immense physical feat, but he's doing it in such a unique and eye-catching way that truly reflects the spirit of inclusive cycling. "The funds raised will help us continue to break down barriers and create opportunities for more people to experience the benefits of cycling." Chris is inviting supporters to follow his journey and donate via his JustGiving page and is documenting his adventure via his 'Adventures with Benny' Facebook page. Every contribution will go towards ensuring that more disabled people and those with additional needs can access cycling in a safe, fun and welcoming environment.
