Pictured at the launch of the Malin to Mizen Horse & Carriage Drive for Cancer Research are from left Orla Dolan and Ann O’Sullivan Breakthrough Cancer Research, Dr. Patrick Forde, Cork Cancer Research Centre, John McMahon, event organiser and Joanne O’Riordan.
DAN Joe Spillane, Macroom, John McMahon, Kilbeheny, and Pat Fleming, Kilkenny, in conjunction with Dr. John Hinchion and his research collaborators at Cork Cancer Research Centre and a little help from Joanne O’Riordan will embark on a challenging 665km horse and carriage drive from Malin head in Donegal to Mizen Head in Cork passing through Donegal in July to raise much needed funds for Breakthrough Cancer Research. The men who are members of Carriage Drive Ireland and have been driving horses for decades are all expert carriage drivers having won the Bolan Cup from Horse Sport Ireland in 2012 the most prestigious prize in Carriage Driving.
They wish to undertake this feat for all those affected by Cancer, “over 35,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in Ireland, which means every household across the country has been affected by this terrible disease. We want to match the drive the scientists and doctors have in the tireless commitment to finding new treatments for cancer by driving the extraordinary journey from Malin head to Mizen head. We hope the public will come out to support us on our journey” says organiser John McMahon.
Speaking at the launch Orla Dolan, Fundraising Manager with Breakthrough Cancer Research said, “Carriage Driving is a sight to behold, and it is a fun challenge they have set themselves and we are delighted that they have chosen to raise funds for our Cancer Research Centre. One day we will beat all cancers, the more research we do, the sooner that day will come! It is fundraisers like Dan Joe, John & Pat who help us to deliver our research to clinical trials faster, we hope you will support them as they pass through your town in July, alternatively you can visit our website www.hopeliveshere.ie to donate and support their journey and our work in Cancer Research”, added Ms Dolan.
Also speaking at the launch Joanne O’Riordan said “I’m delighted to be here with Dan Joe, John and Pat to support their endeavour for Cancer Research, I believe that with enough determination there are no limits to what we can achieve and that is why I am proud to support Breakthrough Cancer Research’s scientist’s in their work to develop more cures for cancer. Life is the answer for the fight against cancer”
Their carriage journey will take place from Wednesday 9th July to Saturday 19th July, trotting through Letterkenny/Sligo/Ballyhaunis/Tuam/Gort/Limerick/Mallow/Killarney/Macroom/Crookstown/Clonakilty and on to their final destination of Mizen Head. All travel will take place during daylight hours to maximise safety and they will use up to 6 different 6 year old horses to complete the journey.
MEMBERS of An Post Letterkenny raised €10,008.40 for Donegal Hospice with their recent Mizen to Malin Charity Cycle.