Thirty people to cycle coast to coast for cancer care

A group of 30 local cyclists are taking part in a Coast2Coast challenge from Galway to Dublin in aid of cancer care for County Westmeath.

This unique 270km cycle takes place on September 9 and 10 to raise vital funds for an MRI scanner at Regional Hospital Mullingar and LARCC Cancer Support Sanctuary, Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath.

The event, launched by RTÉ GAA analysts Dessie Dolan and Bernard Flynn, highlights the psychological, emotional and social challenges faced by all those living with cancer - including family members.

There are eight HSE designated cancer centres nationwide; however, just two centres have a psycho-oncology department to manage the distress caused post diagnosis. Both centres are based in Dublin.

Today much of the psycho-social care needs for cancer patients and their families fall on the community and voluntary sector to deliver.

LARCC Cancer Support Sanctuary in Multyfarnham, Ireland’s only cancer support centre, offers a wide range of supports for almost 500 cancer patients and their families, and gets up to 150 new clients every year.

The centre offers one-to-one counselling, complementary therapies, breast care services, residential programmes, nurse support, children’s therapy, relaxation through art, gentle yoga, meditation and mindfulness and bereavement services.

In 2016 it cost €230,000 to provide these services – 80pc was generated from fundraising efforts.

Event co-ordinator Frank Dillon says the completion of an MRI scanner at Regional Hospital Mullingar would be “a major breakthrough” in diagnostic procedures in the greater midlands region.

“Currently, adults seeking a non-emergency scan have to wait up to one year, while children have to wait up to two years.

“When the machine is in place, it will have the most up-to-date equipment and facilities. This will make life much easier for many with various serious illnesses currently travelling long distances for treatment,” he said.

He reiterated LARCC’s crucial role in providing emotional and psychological care post cancer diagnosis.

LARCC

Bernie McHugh of LARCC said this support is “almost equally as important” as physical treatment.

“Sometimes when routine clinical treatment stops patients and families feel a real sense of loss and that’s where LARCC is instrumental every week in offering vital holistic support.

“It’s about getting the patient’s confidence back after diagnosis. A lot of people struggle with trauma and families go through equal trauma.”

As survivor outcomes improve, Ms McHugh said LARCC will play a bigger role in aiding people to live well after cancer.

“The Coast2Coast cycle is vital for LARCC services – it would be impossible to sustain services without such wonderful fundraising events,” she said.

Speaking at the launch RTÉ Sunday Game pundit and former Westmeath All-Star footballer Dessie Dolan urged the local sporting and business community to support the cause.

“The GAA community always rally together and cycling is a sport that has grown massively in the area. This is a special event that is going to get a great reaction,” he said.

His thoughts were echoed by legendary Meath footballer Bernard Flynn.

“The cause is great, the people involved are great and I would encourage everyone to get behind Frank and his committee.

“I’m delighted to play any part I can – it’s going to be a super weekend,” he said.

The target for the MRI project is €950,000. The Friends of Regional Hospital Mullingar committee say they are “very pleased” with fundraising to date and are optimistic that the project will be complete in the near future.

At the launch Frank expressed his “deep gratitude” to all that have generously sponsored and donated to the ‘Coast2Coast’ Cycle Challenge.

He emphasised that all contributions “will make such a valuable difference to so many at such a critical time in their lives”.