Mayo cyclists raise funds for one of their own

A group of people from Erris recently completed a 240km cycle from Lavey in Cavan to Glenamoy to raise funds for Mags Deane Smith who requires life-changing surgery to help her battle a debilitating illness.

Mags is a native of Glenamoy and now lives in Cavan with her husband Kevin and three daughters. She began to experience severe back pain almost two decades ago. Despite undergoing numerous surgeries and various pain management treatments, her condition has progressively worsened.

She has been diagnosed with a condition called Sagittal Imbalance Kyphosis which severely affects her spinal alignment causing deformity. It has been determined that a specialised surgical procedure is Mags' best hope for relief and regaining a semblance of normality.

The procedure will take place in London but the cost is in excess of €200,000.

A major fundraising drive started earlier this year with a number of events taking place in Mayo, Cavan, New York and London.

A Group of six sore cyclists completed the full cycle and they were Sean Barrett, Mick Walshe, PJ Nallen, George Geraghty, Shane McGrath and Michael D McAndrew.

They were then joined on Day 2 by Ian O'Boyle, Padraig Monaghan and Sean Keane.

Assisting the crew on the cycle were Sean Walsh, Philip Irwin, Pat Calpin, Betty Deane, Eileen Irwin and Phillip Irwin JNR of the Sheepwalk Bar in Swinford who generously supported the crew.

Thank you to all in Lavey who were exceptionally hospitable and the children of Lavey National school for their lovely send off.

Thank you to the main sponsors Corduff Travel,Kennedy Motors,Lennons Quarries, McGrath Transport, Greg Conroy Hardware, Shevlin Engineers, Geraghty Garage and all the other sponsors for this event.

A special thanks to the Anglers Rest in Glenamoy as well where a function took place after the cycle. Thank you to Bessie's Bar,Lacken for sponsoring the tops.

The final amount raised for the cycle was €8,906 via bucket collections along the way, donations, sponsorship and iDonate.

There is still a substantial amount of money to be raised and anyone who would like to donate can do so online via the iDonate Page and searching for Help Mags Find Relief.