Galway to Gaza Update
3 June 2009
Pathways to Palestine, a team of four cyclists from Waterford stopped into Galway on the Irish leg of their 4000 mile journey to Gaza, Palestine. The team were invited dockside at the Volvo Ocean Race to visit the Irish-Chinese yacht, Green Dragon.
The cyclists were on day four of their 40 day marathon journey to the Middle East raising money for renowned charity 'Medical Aid for Palestinians' (MAP). The four bikes carrying them eastward were baptised star side of the Dragon. "We thought it would be a nice gesture to name our bikes after doctors and paramedics killed in the recent conflict after the numerous targeted attacks on ambulances and medical institutions." Their trip was recently (27 May ) endorsed by two motions of the Scottish Parliament applauding their "epic journey".
Their current efforts are part of an emergency appeal to provide for neo-natal care and resources for the treatment of burns victims. Gaza's medical infrastructure has been crippled by two year long siege that has led to malnutrition and many preventable deaths. Medical student and cyclist John Maher (30) applauded the fantastic reception they received in Galway: "Maybe it's due the generous nature of Irish people but there was no sign of a recession this weekend, we really were encouraged by the donations from ordinary Galwegian's. However we still have a long way to go not only in miles but also in raising money." Pharmacy student Ronan Sheehan (22), added "we have decided to take a back-up van which will be donated to a Waafa hospital in Gaza for transporting patients, most of their vehicles were destroyed in the recent military invasion. Anyone interested in helping sponsor this much needed vehicle should contact us".
Meanwhile 'Pathways to Palestine' received the following mention in the Scottish Parliament:
*S3M-4259 Pauline McNeill: 4,000 Mile Cycle Journey from Glasgow to Gaza-That the Parliament commends the four Glasgow-based students who set off on their incredible 4,000 mile journey from Glasgow's George Square to Gaza on 27 May 2009 in order to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP); notes that the journey will take 40 days, passing through at least 14 countries; further notes that the cyclists' Pathways to Palestine (P2P) idea stemmed from the continuing blockade of Gaza; congratulates the P2P team members on their innovative use of phlogging, which will allow their sponsors and supporters to follow their progress via their website and by email, and commends MAP's continued work, which, following the recent conflict, is concentrated on providing support to young mothers and victims with burn injuries.
