Cong centre benefits from cross-country cycle
Members of the New Beginnings Cycling Club are pictured presenting the cheque to Cancer Fund for Children, from left: Seamus Moylette, chairperson, Islandeady Cycling Club; Ollie Brogan, New Beginnings Cycling Club chairperson; Bernadette McGarvey, Cancer Fund for Children Partnership and Philanthropy Manager; Tom McNamara, New Beginnings Cycling Club Committee; Mairead Geehan, Cancer Fund for Children Partnership and Philanthropy Executive; Stephen Lavelle, Islandeady Cycling Club and New Beginnings Committee. Picture: Trish Forde
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. 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. Cong is the site of Daisy Lodge, Cancer Fund for Children’s second therapeutic short break centre, which is currently under construction on the shores of Lough Corrib.
Together, the cyclists raised an incredible €66,000, building on the €25,000 raised during last year’s event. A large Mayo contingent took part, alongside many cyclists from across the country. The cheque was recently presented to Cancer Fund for Children.
Ollie Brogan, chairman of New Beginnings Cycling Club and head of the organising committee, expressed his pride:
“This was 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 lives in Dublin but is deeply connected to Mayo - his father, Jim Brogan, hails from Foxford, and his mother, Bridget Gilvarry, from outside Killala. He was 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. The funds raised through this challenge will help us be there for these families when they need us most.”
