Microsoft employees get in the saddle for LauraLynn cycle

MORE than 90 Microsoft employees are getting back in the saddle for a 355km cycle along the Wild Atlantic Way to raise funds for Ireland’s only children’s hospice, LauraLynn.

On September 4, the Microsoft cyclists and crew will take to the roads of Kerry to complete their challenge over three days. 

Microsoft employees have been truly inspired by the care being provided at the LauraLynn facilities in Leopardstown. The cycling challenge taking place along the Wild Atlantic Way is expected to raise over €100,000 in donations this year and will bring the total funds raised to over €388,000 since 2014.

To mark the launch of the three-day cycling challenge, Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland said: “Microsoft has developed a strong bond with LauraLynn and I’m thrilled to see so many of our staff taking part in this year’s cycling challenge.

“LauraLynn is part of our local community and everyone at our campus at One Microsoft Place know of the life-changing care and support it provides to families across Ireland. Through software donations, technology training and fundraising activities, we can help LauraLynn to meet the needs of every child who needs their care.”

Ray Snowdon, a member of the cycling team and Director of Business Analytics & Insights, Microsoft, added: “Having grown from just 10 cyclists in 2014 to a team of over 90 in 2019, the charity cycle in aid of LauraLynn has brought the entire team at Microsoft together and helped to generate much needed funds for Ireland’s only children’s hospice.

“Our target of €100,000 this year will help contribute to the provision of complex care needed by children at LauraLynn and will bring our collective impact to over €388,000 by the end of this year. Despite the challenging terrain we will face along the route, by working together we can complete the 355km cycle and have some fun along the way.”

Orla O’Brien, CEO of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice added: “We at LauraLynn are grateful for the efforts made by Microsoft Ireland to support our ongoing work.

“The team at Microsoft have always gone the extra mile and this year is no exception with the cycling team due to take on some of Ireland’s most difficult terrain in aid of LauraLynn.

“Through the increasing amount of funds raised each year, we have been able to reach out to provide care to an increasing number of children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

“It is heart-warming to see the enthusiasm and dedication from the Microsoft Ireland team who consistently try to empower the team at LauraLynn to do more for those in need. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those taking part in the cycle and wish them well during their three-day challenge.” 

The 73 cyclists and 19 crew from Microsoft begin their journey on Wednesday, September 4 when they set out from Kenmare before arriving at their destination of Ballybunion on Friday, September 6. The team will cycle for approximately six hours per day, travelling an average distance of 118km. 

To find out more about the Children’s Hospice go to lauralynn.ie/