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Cyclists fundraise for Cork charity


Twenty two people set off from Tulla last weekend to Westport where  they set about completing the 42km Great Western Greenway cycle in aid of Brú Colombanus in Cork.
The fundraising effort was the brainchild of Tulla woman Ronnie O’Keeffe, who was a guest at the “home from home” accommodation for relatives of seriously ill patients in Cork in November and wanted to give back to the independent charity.
The €5.5 million project, which was established by the Knights of St Columbanus, opened in October 2005 providing accommodation for relatives of seriously ill patients in any of the Cork hospitals and the hospice. It provides 26 en-suite family rooms with supporting kitchen and lounges where families can meet others in similar situations and draw on their shared experiences.
Ronnie was very grateful to the service when she needed it last year and wanted to give something back.
She has always had an interest in cycling and together with 22 friends and family, they covered the Greenway trail last Saturday.
As well as raising funds for the charity, Ronnie wanted to generate awareness to others who may not know that it is available to them, as many others in Clare are referred to Cork University Hospital for specialist care.
“This is also to let people know that if they are in dire need of accommodation this is there. I know that B&Bs can be anything from €35 a night and on top of that, you have food and parking. To leave your car in the hospital for the day is €15,” she said.
She explained that generally a doctor or a nurse will refer a family to the service in Brú Colombanus and that they provide a home-away-from-home atmosphere with facilities to cook and store their own food and a place to relax. 
Ronnie is still fundraising for the charity and anyone who would like to donate can get in touch with her by visiting RicoRonnie PessoKeeffe on Facebook, visit www.mycharity.ie or drop into Supervalu in Tulla or The Grove in Ennis, where Ronnie works. All donations go to Brú Colombanus.

 

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