Dawn to Dusk 32 County Motorcycle Challenge

18 June 2012

On Thursday June 21st, Oesophageal Cancer Survivor, Gerard Mc Carthy from Lisselton, Co. Kerry will undertake a "Dawn to Dusk 32 County Motorcycle Challenge" in aid of the Mercy University Hospital Foundation.

The Motorcycle Challenge will see Gerard ride his motorcycle through every county in Ireland, covering over 700 miles from dawn to dusk, raising funds for cancer services in the Mercy University Hospital, Cork. Gerard will leave his home town of Lisselton, Co. Kerry at 4am on Thursday 21st June, and commence the long journey, until he finally makes it back to Cork, finishing outside the Mercy University Hospital in Cork City just before darkness.

In October 2007, former Garda, Gerard was diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer, the fastest growing cancer in the western world, and of which Ireland has the highest incidence. Placed under the care of Mr. Cristoir O'Suilleabhain at the Mercy University Hospital, Gerard underwent an Oesophagectomy on February 1st 2008, which was a very successful operation. Since his recovery, Gerard has embarked on a 'new life' as a Motorcycle Instructor at Kerry Biking School, and is living life to the full.

Gerard's Motorcycle Challenge will see him travel the length and breadth of the country, but he says it is for a cause very close to his heart. He said "While attending the Mercy for one of my regular CAT Scans, I came across the Mercy Foundation's Newsletter where I read about the fundraising efforts of other Cancer Survivors and decided it was time for me to give something back so I decided to undertake the long 32 County Motorcycle Challenge on June 21st, the longest day of the year. All monies I collect will go entirely to the Mercy Foundation."

He concluded "This is my way of saying 'Go raibh mile maith agaibh' to all the wonderful people I encountered on my Cancer journey at the Mercy."

Micheál Sheridan, CEO of the Mercy University Hospital Foundation wishes Gerard the very best of luck with his challenge, and thanks him for his support. Micheál said "Our mission is to support the hospital in delivering the highest quality of patient care by generating awareness and tirelessly raising funds to support advancements and innovation in the treatment and care of patients at the Mercy Hospital, the People's Hospital. We promise to do our very best to provide you with a world class hospital, right on your doorstep, and this is only possible through the help of our supporters and donors, like Gerard McCarthy, who is under taking the ‘Dawn to Dusk 32 County Motorcycle Challenge' that this is possible. On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to wish Gerard the best of luck and thank him for his endeavour."

To support Gerard's ‘Dawn to Dusk 32 County Motorcycle Challenge', before or after his challenge, call the Mercy Foundation on (021) 4274076 or visit his MyCharity.ie fundraising page (http://www.mycharity.ie/event/dawn_to_dusk___32_county_motorbiking_challenge/).

Further information on the work of the Mercy Foundation is available on www.mercyhospitalfoundation.ie.