Locals urged to ‘get on their bikes’ for Mick O’Shea benefit cycle
CYCLISTS from across north Cork have been urged to “get on their bikes and ride” in support of fellow free-wheeling enthusiast Mick O’Shea.
Friends of the Newtwopothouse native who lives in Mallow have come together to organise two events over one weekend to help offset the cost of Mick’s ongoing medical treatment after an illness left him in hospital fighting for his life.
A benefit night for Mick will take place in the Arches Bar next Friday week, with an organised fundraising cycle taking place across two preplanned routes the following Sunday.
A few weeks ago Mick, a member of the Awbeg Free Wheelers and an avid adventure racer, developed what he at first though was a simple chest infection or cold.
However, his conditions rapidly deteriorated over a matter of days and he was admitted to the Cork University Hospital, where it was discovered he had contracted a virus that was attacking the outer wall of his heart.
“At one stage Mick was quite literally fighting for his life, However, he is a fighter and he stayed strong enough to be transferred to the Mater Hospital in Dublin for further treatment,” said his close friend Michael Fitzpatrick.
“As of now, he is still in the intensive care unit and every single day is a fight to survive. The only target at the moment is to get him out of the ICU and on the road to recovery,” he added.
Michael said Mick’s wide circle of friends and fellow cyclist enthusiasts wanted to do something that would help alleviate the financial burden on Mick and his wife.
“We felt it was the least that we could do. Particularly given the fact that Mick has been such a strong supporter of numerous charity events in the past,” said Michael.
“Though the benefit night and the cycle we aim to take away the worry of finances from them for a little while at least,” he added.
The entrance fee for the cycle, which will take place across two separate 40km and 90km routes, departing from the Ballyclough Community Centre at 9am on Sunday July 23, will be €25 (CI licence) and €30 (non CI licence).
For a full breakdown of the routes and to register interest in taking part in the cycle visit the dedicated Mick O’Shea Benefit Cycle Facebook page.