On May 1, Dave Turner and Gerry Mullroy will set out to conquer a transAm 90 day 4,200 mile cycling journey in support of the charity Drogheda and District Support 4 Older People (DDS4OP).

The two dedicated supporters will hope their effort can raise money and awareness for the DDS4OP, a charity formed in 2010 to improve the overall lives of older people in the Drogheda area.

Dave Turner has lived in Ireland for the past 31 years and retired from his job at a US global fragrance manufacturing company in 2008. Turner is a co-founder of the charitable organization and discussed his upcoming quest in a press release and explained the intentions behind the trip saying, “..firstly because we always wanted to make this trip and secondly because we want to raise as much money as possible for the continuing work of the charity, Drogheda and District Support 4 Older People (DDS4OP).” 

The lively 63 year old Tuner will be joined by pal Gerry Mullroy, a self-employed electrician who was born in Drogheda.  Mullroy has a great  love for music and adventure, creating a duo with a supreme passion for life.  Turner and Mullroy will start in Yorktown, Virginia and finish near Seattle, Washington traveling through about 10 states.

Turner talked about how the duo plans to generate buzz, making the trip as worthwhile as possible.  

“We are making a three minute video explaining what our charity does and will be sending it in advance of our trip to local newspapers and radio stations along the 4,200 mile route.  This will ensure that they are aware of our trip and hopefully get some donations.  Gerry also plans to play his mini guitar and sing, again to bring attention to our cause.”

The cause being the well thought out, hands on work of the 70+ volunteers of DDS4OP.  The Drogheda and District Support 4 Older People has 6 different and equally beneficial programs in place to help the older people in Drogheda and surrounding communities.  The organization described each service in the press release. 

“Good Morning Drogheda” – a free morning phone call to older people living on their own to check that they are safe and well. This reduces feelings of isolation, insecurity, loneliness and vulnerability.

The “Care and Repair Team” – mostly retired handyman or tradesmen assist us in giving a free service to older people doing small maintenance jobs and repairs in their homes and gardens.

Computer Classes – volunteer tutors assist older people on a one-to-one, three afternoons a week, to get them up and running with e-mail, exploring the internet, Skype etc.

Failte Isteach – a fun way of teaching conversational English to new immigrants two evenings a week, using older people as the teachers.

National Senior Help Line – this national helpline is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 10 pm.  Volunteers in Drogheda man the helpline on Monday and Friday afternoons.

Support – an office where older people can go to find out about  their rights and entitlements, and be given information and advice on grants and anything else they may be having problems with, as well as filling in forms and making phone calls on their behalf
 
This video explains the charity’s work and the men’s upcoming journey. 




You can donate to the cause here and if your donation is from the US you’re automatically entered to win a free vacation for two in Drogheda in October or November.