Uncle’s epic island cycle to remember brave niece Tilly..
950km trip to raise funding for new Down syndrome unit
THE uncle of a girl with Down syndrome who died aged just four months is preparing to cycle the length and breadth of Ireland in her memory.
Michael Gallagher will pedal from Mizen Head to Malin Head and from Sean Moore Park in Dublin’s Docklands to Achill Island in tribute to Tilly Gallagher who died in 2018.
“Tilly’s Cycle” will cover more than 950km and will start on Monday and conclude at picturesque Keem Bay on Friday.
Her parents Barbara and Ciaran Gallagher said the Co Mayo man’s cycle highlights the lasting impact Tilly has had on their family.
Barbara said: “For the 18 weeks that we had her with us she enriched all of our lives and taught us what it is to be brave, strong and content in each moment.
“So many people helped Tilly and us as a family over the months Tilly was sick, and in the years that have followed.”
Tilly was born in Perth, Australia, in 2018 with Down syndrome. Like many children with the condition, she required an operation to fix a hole in her heart.
Tragically just 10 days before her surgery she picked up a respiratory infection and passed away from complications.
Michael told the Irish Mirror he wanted to honour Tilly’s memory and decided to undertake the mammoth cycle to raise funds towards the construction of a sensory room for children with Down syndrome in his home county of Mayo.
The sensory room will be constructed as part of the new Down Syndrome Ireland West facility in Swinford.
SERVICE
The regional service will be a resource for babies, children and adults with the condition across Connacht.
Michael said: “Ever since Tilly passed away I have had it in my mind to honour her memory in some way.
“When I heard about Down Syndrome Ireland developing a new Regional Centre in Swinford I figured this was the perfect opportunity.
“All the funds I raise will go towards fitting out a sensory room in the new centre.”
Michael, who is chair of the Leitrim Cycling Club, is preparing for a tough few days in the saddle.
He added: “I’m passionate about cycling but am under no illusion about the difficulty of the task that lays ahead.” Tilly’s mother Barbara said: “In remembering her, Michael is helping so many others. We are so proud of Michael and the massive effort he is putting in, on and off the road. Tilly would be so proud of her uncle.”
■ Michael’s progress can be monitored across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok using the handle @Tillyscycle. Details on how to donate are found on the Tilly’s Cycle Gofundme page.
For the 18 weeks we had her she enriched our lives BARBARA GALLAGHER
AUSTRALIA