Breakthrough Cancer Research and the volunteers who ran the Malin to Mizen Horse and Carriage Drive have thanked the people of Galway for their support during the 441 mile journey.
National champion horse carriage drivers Dan Joe Spillane, from Macroom, Co Cork, John McMahon, from Kilbeheny, Co Limerick, and Pat Fleming, from Kilkenny, recently drove a horse and carriage the length of Ireland for Breakthrough Cancer Research. Aiming to raise €80,000 for cancer research, they travelled 441 miles, covering approximately 50 miles each day with six horses. The horses included four siblings Sylvie, Valerie, Chas, and Dave, with Mischief and Sonny who are all used to road work and are out and about each Sunday.
Describing the experience, Dan Joe said: “We have been thrilled with the level of support and encouragement we and our volunteer bucket collectors have received as we trotted through towns and villages through Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Cork. The generosity of the Irish people is phenomenal.”
Orla Dolan fundraising director with Breakthrough Cancer Research, described the event as “an amazing feat” adding: “Carriage driving is a sight to behold, and it is a fun challenge they set themselves and we are delighted that they have chosen to raise funds for our cancer research centre. One day we will beat all cancers, the more research we do, the sooner that day will come. It is fundraisers like Dan Joe, John and Pat and their volunteers who help us to deliver our research to clinical trials faster, we are delighted with the level of support they have so far received as they passed through the country.”
To lend your support to the work in cancer research log on to www.hopeliveshere.ie
