RING CYCLE’ S LIFE LINE FOR KERRY CHARITIES

BREAKTHROUGH CANCER RESEARCH

Breakthrough Cancer Research was launched in

2011 to focus on research into new treatments for incurable cancers. They focus particularly on cancers with a poor prognosis, while looking for ways to improve survival.

Campaigns Manager Eoghan O’Sullivan said: “We have been benefiting from the Ring of Kerry Cycle for the past few years, but this year we identified a specific area to raise funds for. Money raised will fund a research project on overcoming resistance to treatments for the most aggressive cancers. It will also help to fund a complementary project that will help in understanding why some people become resistant to therapies over time.”

BRÚ COLUMBANUS

BRÚ COLUMBANUS is an independent charity that has provided home from home accommodation to families of critically ill patients, particularly children, in Cork hospitals and hospice since 2005.

They have over 70 volunteers who run their service, with accommodation that has 26 ensuite bedrooms with supporting kitchens and lounges.

Fundraising Manager of Brú Columbanus Anne Maria O’Connor said that, due to the demand for their service, it is no longer possible to accommodate every family. “The money raised will go towards expanding, by purchasing a new facility for accommodation for families.”

IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION KERRY BRANCH

THE Irish Kidney Association is a charitable organisation, founded in

1978, that provides support to those suffering with kidney failure, and their families. They also promote organ donor awareness in Ireland.

Patients range from infants to older people, who are all undergoing different methods of treatment such as dialyses, and transplant procedure.

Kerry IKA Branch Secretary

Theresa Looney said they are taking part in the cycle to raise funds to purchase a new Respite Centre in Killarney and raise awareness for organ donation. The Centre will give patients and families a place to take a break from the daily challenges and stress of dealing with kidney disease.

KERRY HOSPICE FOUNDATION

Kerry Hospice Foundation has provided specialist palliative care services to those suffering with cancer and life-threatening illnesses since 1990. Their major project in recent years was the construction of a new 15-bed in-patient unit to enhance the quality of life and care for cancer patients in Kerry.

Chairman Joe Hennebery said that although they look forward to raising much needed funds, he feels they will not benefit as much as previous years. “We only have half the amount of cyclists as previous years, which is very disappointing. There are also a lot more charities this year. But, it all helps.”

BAILE MHUIRE DAY CARE CENTRES FOR OLDER PEOPLE

BAILE Mhuire Day Care Centre for

Older People provides care and support for stroke survivors, multiple sclerosis and early dementia victims to help them continue living safely in their own homes, connected to their family and friends.

Aidan Kelly of Baile Mhuire said they are delighted to be one of the main beneficiaries this year. “The cycle is hugely important for us. Last year we were in tier two and this year we are in tier one. It’s good for us to be associated with some of the big charities. We’re counting down the days now.”

KERRY DIOCESAN YOUTH SERVICE:

KDYS supports young people and their families by helping develop essential skills. The charity was started in 1971 and with five centres around the county, they have over 350 volunteers and have helped over 6,000 young people aged 10 – 25 each year.

Director of Development for KDYS

Cormac Lally said the funds are vital to provide young people with new resources for their wellbeing.

“We want to extend our services, which involves redevelopment of some existing space on site in Killarney. With this we will be able to offer a whole new range of programmes to help with young people’s wellbeing – physically, emotionally, spiritually. They need a space where they can get away from their pressures.”

IRISH COMMUNITY RAPID RESPONSE:

Irish Community Rapid

Response is a voluntary organisation that works in association with the

National Ambulance Service to respond to 999/112 emergency calls. They have over 200 volunteer doctors and nine Rapid Response Vehicles that bring emergency department skills to the scene of an accident.

Their main focus this year is to provide Ireland’s first dedicated charity-funded helicopter emergency medical service, based out of Cork Airport.

Area Fundraising Manager Ruth Bruton said that the awareness raised is as important as the money. “An event of this magnitude is something fantastic to be a part of, we are so grateful to have this chance to get our name out there. The event isn’t just about those who are cycling, we appreciate anyone who gets involved.”

PIETA HOUSE:

PIETA House offers free, accessible and community – based services for people who have attempted, are thinking about or have been bereaved by suicide and people engaging in self harm. They were set up in 2006 to provide around the clock services by accredited therapists across 15 centres nationwide.

Con O’Connor of Pieta House said they are very lucky to have been picked as a beneficiary, but it is hard work to plan. “We are lucky that we are a national organisation, so we have cyclists from around the country taking part to raise money for us. We are endeavouring to expand our services, particularly in South Kerry. There is a big demand to create an outreach office in this area as the rates are very high.”

CAHERSIVEEN SOCIAL SERVICES:

CAHERSIVEEN Social Services was established in 1972 to provide meals on wheels for those in need in the Cahersiveen area.

They expanded their services to provide transport facilities for those living in rural areas, a subsidised laundry service, a Day Care Centre and housing accommodation for older members of the community and returning immigrants. They have recently focused on the area of housing accommodation to meet growing demand from older people in need. To date, 22 housing units have been constructed. Money raised through the Cycle will go towards the construction of five additional housing units.

ST JOSEPH’S HOME KILLORGLIN:

St Joseph’s Residential Home for the elderly has been managed and run by the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy since 1971. They provide health and welfare care to the elderly in mid and southwest Kerry. Their Home is dedicated to developing and improving the quality of life of all its residents.

Michael Moriarty of St Joseph’s Home in Killorglin said that the money raised through the Ring of Kerry is hugely important for their fundraising efforts.

“We have been involved in past years and it has contributed greatly. Money raised is going towards our capital building project at the moment, constructing six additional rooms and reconfiguring the original building.”

DOWN SYNDROME KERRY

Down Syndrome Kerry is run by parents and families in Kerry who have a family member with Down Syndrome. They help people with Down Syndrome to reach their full potential through providing education, support and friendship.

With over 200 families across the county, they provide services like speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, supported training and employment courses.

PRO for Down Syndrome Kerry Madeleine Doyle said that money raised from the cycle funds their everyday services and without it, they would struggle.

“We are completely voluntary and the money we make from the Ring of Kerry is vital. It helps us run our general services, not only just the fun ones. It has helped us so much through the years, thankfully.”

KERRY PARENTS AND FRIENDS/ BUY A BUS

THE Kerry Parents and

Friends Association was established in 1973 to support families of people with an intellectual disability. They operate

25 day care centres countrywide and provide additional support in the home community.

The ‘Buy a Bus’ Campaign will enable them to continue transporting the people they support to day care centres, hospital appointments, social training and more every day. Last year, the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle made it possible for them to put three new buses on the road. With funds raised this year, they hope to purchase three more to further support those with intellectual disabilities.

ENABLE IRELAND

ENABLE Ireland is one of Ireland’s largest children’s charities, providing services to 5,200 children and 343 adults in 40 locations throughout the country.

In Kerry, they provide a range of services to both children and adults with disabilities.

Children’s services include clinical assessment, therapy, education, training, residential, respite and family support services. Adult services include a range of centre based day and community outreach services for those with a primary physical and sensory disability.

Money raised from the Cycle will help to fund their transport fleet, hydrotherapy pool for the next three years and to roll out their Lego Therapy programme to at least 50 children.

ST MARY OF THE ANGELS PARENTS AND RELATIVES ASSOCIATION

ST MARY of the Angels in

Beaufort is home to 76 residents with physical and intellectual disabilities. It also provides a Day Service to

40 people with disabilities.

Their campus comprises of 10 homes where many residents have lived for most of their lives.

Their onsite facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, special sensory room and Arts and Crafts Centre. They provide services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. St Francis Special School also operates on the campus.

They are hoping to raise enough funds through the Cycle to provide eight people with their own private bedrooms.

IAN O’CONNELL TRUST

Ian O’Connell sustained serious neck and spinal injuries in August

2017 when he fell of his bike. The

16-year-old student in St Brendan’s

College, Killarney, spent several months in Dublin’s Mater Hospital, then moved to the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire in January where he is currently undergoing rehabilitation.

Ian wishes to return home where his rehabilitation programme will continue. He is an active member of Spa GAA Club, but now faces up to two years of treatment to help regain feeling and movement in his limbs.

Money raised in the cycle will be lodged to a trust fund set up by the Spa GAA Club. The fund, administered by three trustees, will help meet Ian’s ongoing needs and the cost of any necessary adaptions to his home.