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Last Updated: 28 Sep 2018 - 10:41:39 AM |
ON YOUR BIKE: CYCLISTS PREPARE FOR ANNUAL PAT CASEY MEMORIAL CYCLE
By James Wilson
24 Sep 2018,
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Organisers of the annual Pat Casey Memorial Cycle are calling on cyclists to register now for the 122km event, taking place this Saturday, 29 September. Now in its sixth year, the charity cycle has raised over €56,000 to date for research into idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare lung condition.
The route covers 122km, leaving Cork City Ford Centre, Forge Hill at 9.30am sharp, with the cyclists heading to Bandon, and Clonakilty before returning to Forge Hill via Kinsale.
Held in memory of Crosshaven man Pat Casey, who passed away from IPF in 2013, beneficiaries of the annual charity event are the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA) and the respiratory unit at Cork University Hospital (CUH).
The first two cycles— 2012 and 2013 —were organised by Pat himself, a father-of-one, who was just 55 when he was diagnosed with the condition in 2009. The cause of this chronic lung disease is unknown.
Since Pat’s death five years ago, his wife Anne; son Daniel; brother Martin; and best friend Brian Aherne have continued to run the annual event in his memory.
Speaking on the cycle, Anne said: “Every year the backing for this cycle is unbelievable. Businesses like Cork City Ford Centre, Kevin O'Leary Centra on the South Douglas Road, Edmar Signs & Designs in Glanmire, and KWP Print & Design, Carrigaline always row in and provide invaluable support.
“Our volunteer support teams invest time and resources to keep the cyclists safe, hydrated and fed, while every year, participating cyclists take the time out to help this great cause. We have fantastic volunteers, who are out there with buckets, both on the day itself and also in advance with collections at Blackpool and Douglas shopping centres. We truly cannot express enough our appreciation for the support we receive.”
Anne added: “This fantastic cycling event is a fitting nod to a great man. Pat, who was an avid motorcyclist, set up the cycle because of the care and support he received from the ILFA and CUH, and we are very proud to continue fundraising in his honour. All funds raised assist in the research, awareness and education into IPF. We encourage cyclists across Cork to consider 29 September for their next charity cycle and register today.”
Registration is €30, and those wishing to take part can contact Brian at 086 0881064, Anne at 087 9854587 or email annecasey@live.ie. Registration will also be open on the morning of the cycle between 8am — 9am at Cork City Ford Centre, Forge Hill, Airport Road.
For those affected by IPF, a Cork patient support group meets at 11am on the last Thursday of every month at The Elm Tree, Glounthaune.
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