In memory of their late son: Ballaghaderreen parents launch Malin to Mizen charity cycle

C.J. McCann was just 21 months old when he lost his battle with a rare and aggressive brain cancer: ATRT (Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour), in October last year.

Now, his father, Joe, and 20 other enthusiastic volunteers will take on a gruelling Malin Head to Mizen Head cycle to raise money for two of the charities, Hand-in-Hand and Oscars Kids, who supported the McCann family during their childhood cancer journey.

Speaking at the launch of CJ’s Rainbow Charity Cycle at Strandhill yesterday (Wednesday), C.J.’s father explained the rationale behind the fundraising cycle.

“When it comes to cancer, the easy road is not an option” - C.J.'s Dad Joe McCann

“I decided during our time on St. John’s (the National Paediatric Oncology Ward), that I would fundraise for some of the charities that helped and supported us during one of the toughest times of our lives,” he said.

“I wanted to do something that was a real challenge, so I chose Malin Head to Mizen Head. as Mizen to Malin has a perceived advantage as the prevailing winds are generally behind you. The way I saw it, C.J. didn’t get the advantage of prevailing winds on his journey and he lived every day with a smile on his face.”

Along with most of the group, Joe is not a cyclist. The 21-strong team will strive to complete the 630km cycle in just four days, a huge undertaking for an amateur cycling group, beginning at the most northerly point on August 22nd and concluding on August 26th at Mizen Head. CJ’s Rainbow Charity Cycle is all about raising funds for two amazing charities that have helped the entire McCann family enormously over the past 18 months, while also remembering the bravery and strength of C.J. The family also hope to shine a light on the challenges of childhood cancer for families in Ireland.

Hand in Hand is a national childhood cancer charity, based in Loughrea, which supports families all over Ireland, helping them to cope with the impact of treatment on family life. This support can include counselling, play therapy for children and/or their siblings, complementary therapies, hot meals, laundry, and domestic cleaning. For the McCann family, this has included play therapy for C.J.’s sisters, Róisín (8) and Clódagh (6), which is immensely beneficial to them in coping with C.J.’s initial diagnosis, treatment and ultimately the loss of their little brother.

“Play therapy has been an absolute gift for the girls since C.J.’s diagnosis,” explained Joe.

“From a very early stage, Niamh and I understood that we would be spending a lot of time away from the two girls when they were being minded by other family members.

“It’s so hard, when you have a sick child, to devote equal time and priority to everyone, and, at a time when we were unable to support the girls emotional needs, Play Therapy with Hand in Hand reassured us that there was someone supporting and watching out for our girls at a time that we were separated from them.”

“People don’t often think about the impact on siblings in these situations, because sickness and worry is all-consuming for those involved; play therapy has been an essential part of our family unit coping with the loss of C.J.”

The second charity to benefit from the fundraising cycle is Oscar’s Kids, who support families coping with a child's terminal cancer diagnosis; the charity aim to create moments of magic during the toughest of times. 

Reflecting on the special Christmas with C.J., Joe said, “When Niamh suggested Christmas on the 24th of September, I honestly thought it was the craziest idea in the world.

“However, those incredible memories will be treasured forever – the magic it brought to all of our families lives, and the way C.J. enjoyed it so much, will never be forgotten.”

Acknowledging the challenge of childhood cancer, C.J.’s Daddy admitted that is one of the toughest, and most intense, experiences any parent could go through.

“It’s exceptionally difficult on parents, and families, all you want to do is protect your family the best way you can and, when it comes to cancer, the easy road is not an option” he said.

“The treatment is so harsh on children, and parents on St John’s go through some really trying and testing days, in the hope of overcoming the disease.

“It’s not easy to see the rainbow when you are dealing with treatments in a hospital, but the incredible kids and parents in St Johns inspire me every single day;

“Those children - they are complete heroes to me; what they endure, how they keep smiling, it’s just incredible.

“I was oblivious to this greatness until I saw it for myself, in my son and in other kids around us on the ward.”

The McCann Family now aim to help to support these heroes, and their families, through the proceeds raised by CJ’s Rainbow Charity Cycle. An iDonate page has been set up at www.idonate.ie/event/cjsrainbow, which will run from now until after the cyclists touch down in Mizen Head on August 26th, with 630km clocked up on their bikes!