Yardmen Cycle and Walk 2012
On the 1st April 2012, the staff at Edwards and Company joined together, put on their dunchers and took part in the “Titanic Yardmen Cycle and Walk” to raise awareness for Bowel Cancer UK- Edwards and Co’s chosen charity.
This years event followed on from the successful Greenway Santa Cycles of 2009 and 2011 and raised a massive £20,012 for Bowel Cancer. Building on the work already undertaken, The Titanic Yardmen Cycle and Walk was in memory of the late Rosi Kirker- Miller, who following her diagnosis of bowel cancer was dedicated to raising awareness and funding the treatment of Bowel Cancer. Over 1000 participants of all fitness levels made their way from the Connswater Community Greenway to Titanic Belfast, dressed as shipyard workers from the 1990s.
Dorcas Crawford, Senior Partner at Edwards & Co. solicitors, lead sponsor of the event said “The Yardmen Cycle and Walk provided an excellent opportunity to remember the local people who helped build the Titanic 100 years ago”.
Edwards and Company solicitors have acted for shipyard workers for over 30 years in personal injury litigation such as industrial deafness, vibration white finger and asbestosis and so we were delighted to support this wonderful occasion recognising the role of yardmen while raising money for a very worthwhile cause.
Yardmen Cycle and Walk 2012
Cyclists and walkers in Belfast are being urged to ‘step back in time’ to the days of the Titanic and raise funds for a worthy cause in the process.
It is hoped that 1,000 people will take part in the ‘Titanic Yardmen Cycle and Walk’ in east Belfast on Sunday 1st April, to raise awareness and sponsorship for the work of Bowel Cancer UK in Northern Ireland.
Those taking part in the event are being asked to dress as a shipyard worker from the 1900s and everyone will be given a traditional yardman’s ‘duncher’ cap to wear. Each person over the finishing line will also be given an old-style ‘piece’ or sandwich.
The event will start on the Connswater Community Greenway and finish at the Titanic slipways. It is being organised in memory of local businesswoman, Rosi Kirker-Miller who died from bowel cancer last year.
Dorcas Crawford, Senior Partner at Edwards & Co. solicitors, lead sponsor of the event, believes that it will appeal to people in Belfast and right across Northern Ireland.
She said:
“The Yardmen Cycle and Walk provides an opportunity to remember those in the local community who helped build the Titanic. Edwards and Company has a long history with shipyard men as clients and we’re very pleased to support a cause that will provide lasting benefit for people in Northern Ireland.”
Local actor, Dan Gordon, who will be taking part in the event said: “The yardmen played a significant role in the history of east Belfast. An event like this that raises money for a great cause is to be warmly welcomed – especially when they give you a cup of shipyard tea and a bun at the finish!”
Bowel Cancer UK, which has offices in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, aims to raise awareness of the disease among the general public and also provides training and resources for healthcare professionals.
The event is open to people of all ages and levels of fitness. Advance registration for the event is required via Connswater Community Greenway www.communitygreenway.co.uk or www.facebook.com/connswatercommunitygreenway at £10 per cyclist and £5 per walker or child cyclist.
All those taking part are being asked to raise sponsorship to support Bowel Cancer UK’s work in Northern Ireland. Those unable to attend the event can still give to the Titanic Yardmen Cycle and Walk by logging on to www.justgiving.com/yardmen
The event is also being supported by Belfast City Council, Titanic Foundation, Connswater Community Greenway, East Belfast Partnership, Fitzers Catering Ltd., Business and Scientific Services Ltd., Bradley Quinn Photography, MCE Public Relations, Trackars, Novosco, Tayto, Westfield Health, Hastings Hotels, Titanic People and Castlereagh Borough Council.
The day was a success in so many ways and the generosity of the participants and sponsors will provide a lasting benefit for people in Northern Ireland.
