Oranmore man Niall Bishop will take to the road with 17 friends on Saturday to cycle 213 kilometres across Ireland in one day in a tribute to his late brother David.
The 32-year-old died on Christmas morning after a six year battle with leukaemia. Niall says his ambitious journey will pay tribute to David’s “defiant spirit and lust for life”.
The cycle, which is the equivalent of five gruelling marathons back to back, is in association with Cancer Care West and will raise vital cash for the patient comfort fund at the haematology oncology unit of University Hospital Galway. The fund helps patients who are facing extended stays in hospital while battling against serious illness.
Six players from Niall’s GAA Club, St Vincent’s in Dublin, will join David’s many friends on the day. These include Brian McCarry, Gary Cullinan as well as former Dublin hurling Stars Carl Meehan, Tomas “Mossy” McGrane and Declan Qualter.
The 18 cyclists will pedal off from the Lucan Spa Hotel in Dublin at 7am and will be welcomed home in Oranmore almost 11 hours later.
“The haematology oncology unit is more than just a worthy cause for my family and I,” says Niall. “Not only did the staff there give dedicated care and attention to David during his illness but many of the staff would have treated Shane, the eldest in our family, when he lost his battle to leukaemia in 1996 at the age of 25.
“My parents and I will always remember the care and manner of the medical and support staff which soared beyond the call of duty. This coupled with the fact my father has spent close to 30 years on the maintenance staff - and knows every inch of the hospital - has inspired us to dedicate the cycle to David’s memory. Ultimately it will allow us to look beyond our grief for a moment and say thank you to those who tended so kindly to both David and Shane. In a way our loss was their loss too.”
He says despite the well documented challenges facing the health service his family believes the hospital staff are world class.
“Within the wards and behind the headlines the medical teams are doing everything in their power to help the most important person in a hospital, the patient. My parents and I can certainly testify to that. This cycle is our small way of acknowledging this by helping to raise funds for other patients and remembering those we loved and lost.”
For further information or to donate, log onto www.davidbishopcycle.com
