Passionate group of cyclists raise €66,000 for Children with Cancer

On Friday, May 9, a determined team of 53 cyclists, 11 women and 42 men set off from Westmanstown, Co. Dublin, on a two-day, 300km charity cycle to Cong, Co. Mayo. They were supported by a dedicated crew of seven, including a bike mechanic, food van staff, first aid support, and drivers.

The event was held in aid of Cancer Fund for Children, a charity that provides emotional, social, and therapeutic support to children and young people diagnosed with cancer across Ireland, as well as to their families.

After completing the first 150km, the group spent Friday night in Ballinasloe before continuing on to Cong the next day. Their destination holds special significance as Cong is the site of Daisy Lodge, Cancer Fund for Children’s second therapeutic short break centre, currently under construction on the shores of Lough Corrib.

Together, the cyclists raised an incredible €66,000, building on the €25,000 they raised during last year’s event. A large Mayo contingent took part, alongside many cyclists from across the country.

Ollie Brogan, chairman of New Beginnings Cycling Club and head of the organising committee, expressed his pride: “This is our second year running a major cycling challenge to support Cancer Fund for Children, and we’re so proud of the outcome. We had cyclists of all ages join us, including 81-year-old Charlie O’Connor from Dublin. I want to sincerely thank every participant, supporter, and donor who helped us reach this remarkable fundraising total.”

Ollie, who lives in Dublin but is deeply connected to Mayo as his father, Jim Brogan, hails from Foxford, and his mother, Bridget Gilvarry, from outside Killala who were especially proud to see such strong support from his home county.

Bernadette McGarvey, Partnership and Philanthropy Manager with Cancer Fund for Children, also shared her gratitude: “We are so incredibly grateful to this amazing team for putting their mental and physical endurance to the test for the second year running. Every week across the island of Ireland, 10 children and young people (aged 0–24) are diagnosed with cancer.

The funds raised through this challenge will help us be there for these families when they need us most.” You can find out more about this charity by visiting www.cancerfundforchildren.com.

READ MORE: Mayo farming family celebrated for biodiversity work