A SOUTH Belfast woman is cycling the length of Ireland this week in a bid to raise funds for the fight against cancer.

Malone woman Marian McAuley is taking part in the ‘Belfast to Ballydavid or Bust’ cycle challenge with members of the Irish National Teachers Organisation, in honour of a colleague who sadly passed away last year.

Marian works full time for the INTO, and hopes to help boost funds for the Lisburn Road-based Cancer Centre charity in memory of colleague Frank Bunting, the Northern Secretary for INTO, who died following a battle with stomach cancer.

Joining other INTO staff and teachers in the gruelling challenge, Marian will cycle over 350 miles from Belfast to the town of Ballydavid at the point where Co Kerry juts out into the Atlantic.

The group left on Tuesday, and the five day challenge will see the cyclists arrive in Ballydavid in time for Easter. However the pedalling does not end there as the group will depart on Easter Monday for another stretch to Killarney in time for the INTO Congress event.

Marian explained: “Frank was always a keen participant over the years in various marathons organised by the Union. We hope people will donate in support of this cycle as Frank benefitted greatly from the care afforded to him at the Cancer Centre.”

Those wishing to donate to the cause can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/Frank-Bunting-Project.