Johnny to CROSS from Mizen to Malin for cancer research

JOHNNY King of Ennis Rugby Club will be taking part in a Mizen to Malin cycle in aid of cancer research charity CROSS (cancer research of the oesophagus and stomach).

A number of top rugby players such as Ieaun Evans, Scott Hastings, Jerry Flannery and the Wallace brothers will be taking part in the event, which is known as the CROSS Rugby Legends Cycle.

“We’re going from south to north from September 1 to 7. It’s about 700km, maybe sllightly under. We hope to have 65 cyclists on the road on any given day, plus support staff, motorbike outriders, broom wagon drivers, there could be 100-120 people on the road altogether,” Johnny said.

Ten years ago, Johnny’s brother Kevin died after a long battle with oesophageal cancer and since then an annual cycle has been organised in his memory with the proceeds going to CROSS.

In the last year, Paul Wallace became patron of CROSS and using his contacts with players and Johnny’s contacts with clubs, they came up with the Mizen to Malin head plan.

The cycle will cater for everyone from the experienced cyclist to the more casual one and those who want to combine a significant challenge with a bit of fun alongside the rugby heroes.

There will be five teams, comprising rugby legends from Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht and an international rugby side who are lending their support. There will also be people joining the cyclists for segments of the journey.

Johnny said he’s looking forward to hitting the road and it’s hoped the cycle will become an annual event. “On a personal level, I’m looking forward to it and I’m apprehensive too, because we want it to be the first of three or four and we want to make it the best cycling event in Ireland.”

CROSS was founded in 2008 and it supports cancer research performed in the Trinity College Institute of Molecular Medicine, which is located at St James’ Hospital.

The research programme relates to prevention and treatment of cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, lung, bowel and breast. It supports the development of young cancer research scientists and also invests in laboratory equipment to drive research projects aimed at the prevention, understanding and treatment of various forms f cancer.

Paul Wallace also said he is looking forward to the event. “As a patron of CROSS, I am delighted to be leading this challenge in a team with my brothers to raise much-needed funds for CROSS and their support of cancer research. The cycle will be even tougher for us as myself, Richard, David and many of the rugby lads are struggling with career ending injuries, which will no doubt add to the challenge.”