Cycle from Cavan to Mayo seeks to help Mags
A group of people from Erris recently completed a cycle from Lavey in Cavan to Glenamoy, Mayo raising almost €9,000 for a cause close to the hearts of people in both counties.
The challenging two-day 240km cycle was undertaken to raise funds for Mags Deane Smith, who is a native of Glenamoy, and now lives in Cavan with her husband Kevin and three daughters.
Mags 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 costs 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 a most recent event was held in London on last Friday, November 1 in the Claddagh Ring.
A group of six core cyclists completed the full route: 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 cyclists were Sean Walsh, Phillip 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, Co Cavan for putting the crew up for the night, and to the Lavey Community Centre for the lovely breakfast,” said one of the organisers Michael D McAndrew.
“Thank you to 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.”
A total of €6,581 was raised via bucket collections along the way, donations and sponsorship. Online donations for the cycle on iDonate raised €2,325. This brought the final amount raised for the cycle to €8,906.
Michael added: “A special thanks to everyone who supported the team along the way and at the finish line. Mags is wished every success going forward with her treatment.”
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.