Despite some mechanical issues our riders are getting close to crossing over into Co. Mayo and are currently making their way to Daisy Lodge, which as I previously mentioned is a really important stop on the ride for all of us involved.
But not only that, as you may have seen I have breaking news…
Former Ireland and Ulster Rugby Captain, Cancer Fund for Children ambassador and Geo Agriculture representative Rory Best, and Phil Alexander, the CEO of Cancer Fund for Children are joining them there and will cycle in with the team to Eyre Square!
Daisy Lodge
Daisy Lodge in Co. Down is a therapeutic short break centre run by Cancer Fund for Children and has been in operation for over 5 years now, offering families dealing with cancer the opportunity to have a short break away from the often hectic schedule that such a diagnosis brings with it.
The breaks also give families access to therapeutic services that can help them deal with their situation both as together and as individuals.
But as amazing as this is, it simply isn’t enough. Over 50 families are on the waiting list for a break at any one time, and there is only capacity for 1 in 7 families to take that all important time away.
This is why CFfC are now in the process of opening a second Daisy Lodge, this time in Co. Mayo. Just like the lodge in Co. Down, this centre will offer that same chance for families to take a break in a safe, relaxing environment and increase the number of families that they are able to help.
The numbers don’t lie either, with over 98% of families saying the whole experience helped to reduce their levels of stress.
This is why we’re in Ireland. This is why the team are riding 130 miles, and this is why I’d ask if you have any spare cash to donate at all please consider heading over to our Just Giving page and donating.
I know we’re living in unprecedented times when it comes to the cost of living, so if you can’t afford to donate we completely understand, but if you could share this post, this website, or the Just Giving page that would be a massive help, as it will raise awareness of what we are doing which can be just as valuable as a donation!
King Cong
So, where are our riders now?
They should be heading towards Cong, or Conga, from Cúnga Fheichín meaning “Saint Feichin’s narrows”.
Cong is technically an island in itself, as there are streams on all sides cutting it off from neighboring land.
There isn’t much on Wiki for me to pull from, however the rather famous Oscar-winning film ‘The Quiet Man’ starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara was filmed there, mostly in and around the grounds of Ashford Castle.
Cong was also the home of Sir William Wilde, father of famous poet and playwright Oscar Wilde.
Wilde is often misquoted as saying ‘I have nothing to declare but my genius’ when passing through a New York airport, but perhaps a more apt quote of his for today is this:
Experience is one thing you can’t get for nothing.
Today has been a fantastic experience for the riders, and for myself too and I have a feeling the best is yet to come when we get to Eyre Square!
I’ll *hopefully* be back with another update once the team make it to the finish line!