Coast to Coast for Cancer cycle in memory of Kilbehenny dad
After Aaron Dennehy from Kilbehenny watched his father, Sean lose his fight with pancreatic cancer last October, he set himself a mission to raise awareness about the cancer which took his father from him and also to raise funds for cancer research.
Aaron, together with four other cyclists - Helena Dornan, Will Whelan (Kildorrery), Brian Canty (Innishannon) and Noel O'Leary (Dingle) will take on the Coast to Coast cycle for cancer, where they will cycle from Mizen to Malin Head in just 24 hours, to raise money for The Mercy Hospital Foundation in Cork, while Helena will be raising money for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.
They will set off on their 637km cycle at 1pm on Friday, June 21 and they will start off in Goleen, Mizen Head, covering Bantry, Macroom, Newmarket, Charleville, Kilmallock, Limerick, Portumna, Longford, Enniskillen, Strabane, Derry, Drumville, and finally, Slievebawn, Malin Head.
Cyclist Aaron Dennehy said that on October 30, his father Sean died after a short illness from pancreatic cancer and he wanted to do something to fund research in that area.
"We were left with a lot of unanswered questions, a huge sense of loss and anger, about the lack of a cure for this horrible disease. We watched my brave dad fight this disease with huge determination and courage and this inspired me to take on a challenge, to raise awareness and funds for such a worthy cause.
“I decided to turn the grief into something more constructive, and during Dad’s last days in the Mercy Hospital, I came up with the Coast to Coast for Cancer Challenge. Our mission is to do what we can for early detection of pancreatic cancer," Aaron said.
Fundraising executive with the Mercy Hospital Foundation, Rosemary O'Leary said that this exciting fundraiser will raise awareness nationwide, as the cyclists make their way through the country.
"The cyclists will help the Mercy Hospital Foundation make a real difference to the lives of patients at the Mercy Hospital. Funds raised will help research projects which can lead to an earlier and more effective diagnosis of cancers like pancreatic," she said.
At the launch of the cycle in The Deebert House Hotel in Kilmallock on May 16, sporting heroes Gerry Duffy and Marcus Horan spoke of the amazing challenge which is ahead of the cyclists and their admiration for what they are taking on, in the name of a good cause.
To follow the event on Facebook, check out Coast to Coast for Cancer and anyone wishing to hold a fundraiser to support the cyclists can contact Carmel on 087-1201561.
To make a donation, visit www.mercyfundraising.ie or www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/7785_coast-to-coast-for-cancer.html.
Published:
Friday 31st May 2:07pm
