Charity cyclists saddle up in memory of Barty Mullane
THE Mullane family of Freemount, Charleville, some of whom have been affected by a genetic, progressive eye condition, which leads to vision loss and eventual blindness, organised a cycle in aid of Fighting Blindness to raise funds and to commemorate late family member, Barty Mullane, who was affected by the condition called choroideremia.
The family got involved following an information meeting regarding funding organised by the Fighting Blindness organisation at the Gilbert Centre in Mallow in 2016. They decided to organise the Barty Mullane Cycle this year and the 100k event took place on last Saturday, starting and finishing in Freemount with the proceeds, which amounted to €11,000, being donated to the Fighting Blindness quest for cures and treatment of blindness.
Barty’s widow, Veronica, was on hand to present the cheque to Emma Morgan of the Fighting Blindness organisation, while 12 of Barty’s extended family, including two of his grandchildren, took part in the cycle.
Barty Mullane, who was born at Ballybahallow, Freemount, Charleville, but spent most of his life in the U.K. was affected by the genetic condition which causes progressive vision loss due to a degeneration of the specialised light-sensing photoreceptor cells that line the back of the eye. The vision loss is due to the choroderemia getting worse over time, eventually leading to blindness.
Five of Barty’s nephews in Ireland, along with a grandson, have been diagnosed with the condition and are at different stages of sight loss.
Fighting Blindness is an Irish patient-led charity with a vision to cure, support and empower and fund world-leading research into treatments and cures for blindness while caring for people and families through counselling and peer to peer support services. They work tirelessly to empower the 246,773 people in Ireland living with blindness or vision impairment through education and advocacy.
The Mullane family would like to thank the riders who participated in the cycle on last Saturday, those who contributed so handsomely financially and everybody else who supported them in any way towards the wonderful success of their fund raising effort to alleviate those living with sight loss.
Anybody wishing to make a further donation should contact Pat O’Mullane, Ballyhahollow, Freemount on 087-9078266 and sponsorship cards are also available at Casey’s Shop Freemount and at Casey’s Shop, Johnsbridge.