Cycle in memory of Athlone's Lisa raises a whopping €141,000

A charity cycling challenge in memory of young Athlone woman Lisa Dolan has raised a hugely impressive €141,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI).

The annual event saw 40 cyclists pedal from Malin Head to Mizen Head over the course of four days last May.

This year's cycle was in memory of Lisa, a native of Clonark who bravely battled cystic fibrosis throughout her life. She sadly passed away in May 2017, at the age of 21, and her parents Rosie and Sean Dolan were among those who completed the gruelling 611-kilometre cycle.

The money raised from the event was presented to CFI representatives at a gathering in the Athlone Springs Hotel last Saturday, where the 2019 cycle was also launched.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, Rosie Dolan said she was "delighted" with the amount of money that had been generated for the charity.

"It's a huge amount, so we are absolutely over the moon. We weren't expecting that it would raise that much," she said.

A video clip of an interview with Lisa was played at the event last weekend. Rosie said the money that was raised from the cycle would go towards exercise grants for cystic fibrosis patients and towards the heart and lung transplant ward at the Mater Hospital, two causes that were dear to Lisa.

A number of fundraising events were organised in the South Roscommon area in order to help raise money ahead of the cycle. These included a tractor run, sponsored walk/cycle, cake sale, coffee mornings, and a table quiz.

Rosie and Sean wished to express their gratitude to the cyclists who took part last May and everyone who helped out or contributed in any way to the fundraising effort.

Next year's Malin to Mizen cycle for cystic fibrosis was launched on Saturday with a 50km cycle from the Clann na nGael GAA clubhouse in the morning, followed by the gathering at the Athlone Springs in Monksland in the afternoon.

The cycle will begin in Malin Head in Donegal on Thursday, May 9, and conclude in Mizen Head in Cork on Sunday, May 12.

Fergal Smyth, Fundraising Manager with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, called for people to register now for the cycle to help support people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland.

"The cycle is going from strength to strength each year. It's the largest fundraising event in the Cystic Fibrosis Ireland calendar, both in terms of raising awareness of cystic fibrosis and also raising much-needed funds," he said.

"I would encourage anyone who is interested in joining us for what promises to be another great event to register now on our website at: www.cfireland.ie."