For the twelfth consecutive year, a dedicated team of Microsoft Ireland staff have undertaken a challenging 3-day charity cycle in support of LauraLynn. This year was particularly special, as they completed the last leg of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. The team of cyclists and support crew pushed their limits again, covering 360kms through the hills of Donegal and raising an incredible €305,923.
Claire Shiels, a Corporate Fundraiser at LauraLynn since 2015, feels it is a privilege in her work to support amazing staff teams in the companies that support LauraLynn. The story behind this event shares how something can start small and informally, and grow into something much bigger and very special, with an amazing impact for those in need.
From a Small Idea to a Powerful Legacy
This annual charity cycle was the brainwave of a small group of employees in 2014 who decided to use their 3 volunteering days in a creative way. Embracing a love of cycling, an appetite for challenge, and a desire to make a difference, 10 cyclists and 4 support crew cycled from Mizen to Malin, fundraising €15,000.
They have hit the road every year since, completing two further Mizen to Malin trips and a Tour of Leinster, before embarking on the ultimate challenge in 2018: to cycle Ireland’s stunning but gruelling Wild Atlantic Way. They have cycled over 4,560kms in driving rain, relentless wind, and even baking sunshine, with twists, turns and never-ending hills. Even a pandemic curve-ball was quickly batted by pivoting to an individual cycle challenge. Who knew a 2km radius could multiply into 30,000kms over 30 days, two years running?
James O’Connor, Site Lead at Microsoft Ireland and Corporate Vice President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said:
"We are so proud of our employees and supporters who continue to give their time, energy, and resources to the annual charity cycle. Completing the Wild Atlantic Way this year is a remarkable achievement and a fitting way to mark 40 years of Microsoft in Ireland, supporting NGOs and the communities we operate in."
“LauraLynn is a close neighbour and a cause that is very close to our hearts. We are continually inspired by the incredible work they do to provide care, comfort, and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Taking part in this cycle allows our employees to give back in a meaningful way and support the important work undertaken by the LauraLynn team. To have raised €305,923 by way of this year’s cycle and €1,742,091 since the cycle began is truly an incredible achievement!”
More Than Just a Cycle
Three days on the road each year is the culmination of many months of planning, training, and fundraising. Participants sign up with mixed levels of experience, and the guidance and mentorship of experienced cyclists ensures everyone going on the 3-day trip has the mental resilience, physical fitness and group-cycling skills needed. Safety on the road is paramount at all times. In the now famous words of the Project Lead “this is not a race”.
People achieving a personal goal of cycling 8 hours a day for 3 days, on demanding routes, while supporting a great cause, is exciting for all involved. Figures growing to 100 participants and fundraising levels of €300,000 is inspiring and a phenomenal achievement.
But what makes this initiative so special is not just the figures. It is the people - the participants, their families, friends, colleagues, and all who got behind them. It demonstrates how compassion and commitment, combined with teamwork and clever harnessing of skills, can generate incredible outcomes as well as a driving force of energy, passion, camaraderie and a lot of fun.
Through the work, has emerged powerful team-building and strong, organic cross-departmental collaboration — valuable side-effects for any company. Relationships have developed between LauraLynn and Microsoft staff not even connected to the cycle, cementing and growing a strong, multi-layered corporate partnership that enriches both our organisations.
Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn, expressed her gratitude for this incredible, long-standing partnership:
“We are completely in awe of the entire Microsoft team. For twelve years, they have shown such unwavering dedication, tackling immense physical challenges to support our children and families. This partnership doesn't just fund our services; it builds hope and shows our families that there is a huge community standing with them. We are profoundly grateful for every single kilometre cycled and every euro raised.”
A Lasting Impact
The Microsoft Ireland Charity Cycle has now raised over €1.7 million for LauraLynn since it began. It is an incredible legacy of generosity that continues to make a profound difference for the children and families who need LauraLynn’s care – and a powerful example of people doing what people do best - supporting one another through positivity, connection, compassion and community.
