CJ’s Rainbow Charity Cycle to pass through Ballaghaderreen on Friday
Joe McCann has commenced his charity cycle from Malin Head to Mizen Head in memory of his late son, CJ.
A charity cycle in memory of a 21-month-old boy will pass through his native Ballaghaderreen on Friday (tomorrow).
CJs Rainbow Charity Cycle commenced in Malin Head earlier today (Thursday) and will travel down the country to Mizen Head, County Cork, over the coming days.
“I wanted to do something that was a real challenge, so I chose the Malin to Mizen route, as opposed to Mizen to Malin, as it’s against the prevailing winds. The way I saw it, CJ didn’t get to decide on the mammoth challenge that was put before him,” explained CJ’s father Joe, from Ballaghaderreen.
CJ passed away, aged just 21 months, last October, when he lost his battle with an aggressive brain cancer, ATRT (Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour).
Now, 21 cyclists, one for each month of his life, will be led on a nationwide adventure by his Dad Joe as they take on a gruelling Malin Head to Mizen Head challenge to raise money for two of the charities — Hand-in-Hand and Oscars Kids — who both supported the McCann family during their childhood cancer journey.
Joe and his team are looking for the people on the west coast of Ireland to colour the route in memory of CJ, so towns and villages are being urged to get their flags, balloons and bunting out to support the cycle and raise awareness of childhood cancer.
As part of the gruelling 630km cycle, there is sure to be a huge crowd in Ballaghaderreen on Friday afternoon at approximately 12.30 p.m. to welcome Joe and his entourage before the cycle meanders down the country in the hope of reaching Mizen Head on Sunday next.
Hand-in-Hand is a national childhood cancer charity, based in Loughrea, which supports families all over Ireland, helping them to cope with the impact of treatment on family life. For the McCann family, this has included play therapy for CJ’s sisters, Róisín (8) and Clódagh (6), which is immensely beneficial to them in coping with the loss of their little brother, and was also a vital outlet for them during CJ’s treatment.
The second charity to benefit from the fundraising cycle is Oscar’s Kids, who support families coping with a child's terminal cancer diagnosis. The charity aims to create moments of magic during the toughest of times. Their incredible support enabled the McCann family to plan CJ’s Magical Christmas last September — the only Christmas spent with CJ at home. A public appeal saw 40,000 Christmas cards delivered to the family’s door.
The cyclists are dedicating the cycle to CJ and other children who are currently battling cancer, or those who have left this world too soon.
“Those children — they are the real heroes. What they endure, how they get through it, how they keep smiling. It’s just incredible,” concluded Joe.
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