Cycle in memory of Ballaghaderreen boy who passed away from cancer set to begin

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. For the McCann family, this has included play therapy for CJ’s sisters, Róisín (8) and Clódagh (6), which has been immensely beneficial to them in coping with the loss of their little brother and was also a vital outlet for them during CJ’s treatment.

The second charity to benefit from the fundraising cycle is Oscar’s Kids, who support families coping with a child's terminal cancer diagnosis. Their support enabled the McCann family to plan CJ’s Christmas last September - the only Christmas spent with CJ at home. A public appeal saw 40,000 Christmas cards delivered to the family’s door.

“I wanted to do something that was a real challenge, so I chose the Malin to Mizen route, as opposed to Mizen to Malin, as it’s against the prevailing winds and, the way I saw it, CJ didn’t get to decide on the mammoth challenge that was put before him,” CJ’s father, Joe, said.

Each of the cyclists will dedicate this cycle to CJ and the children who are currently battling cancer, or those who have left this world too soon.

“Those children - they are the real heroes; what they endure, how they get through it, how they keep smiling. It’s just incredible,” added Joe McCann. 

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 for the event. 

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