Castlepollard man takes on Mondello24 for his grandson

Sarah Slevin

Castlepollard man Noel Boyce has decided to take on the Mondello 24-hour cycle to raise funds for his grandson, Adam (6), who has cerebral palsy.

Adam Boyce has PVL white matter brain damage, resulting in him having cerebral palsy, meaning he requires a variety of equipment and supports.

Adam uses a K walker as a mobility aid, as well as a wheelchair for longer journeys and day trips.

His grandfather Noel, or as Adam calls him, ‘Goggy’, will take on the 24-hour cycle in Mondello Park to help support Adam and his family.

For the 24-hour cycle, Noel will be joined by Adam’s uncle, Mark Sheridan, alongside Ray Farrell, and Warren Hunter.

Noel chose the Mondello 24-hour cycle as he wanted to do a “challenging event” that could also raise funds for essential equipment and physio Adam needs.

“Any challenge I do, I have my little grandson Adam in my mind and I’m always thinking of him. If I’m struggling, he gives me the mental strength to get through,” Noel said.

“I decided it was a great way to dedicate my efforts to ‘my little hero’ and best friend, and a boy that I have seen every day since he was born, make it a fundraiser to help Adam’s quest on his ‘heroic journey’ in life,” Noel added.

Mondello24 is a 24-hour endurance cycling challenge that takes place in the international race circuit at Naas this year on June 18.

Noel explained how close he and Adam are, and how important the relationship is to him.

“The bond my little boy and I have is special and unbreakable and I would, I do, and will do anything for him. This challenge is nothing compared to what I would do for him, and it’s nothing compared to the everyday struggle Adam has doing normal things that we take for granted.

“I will be there for him forever. Watch this space as in years to come Adam, and I will together as a team do big challenges to prove that you can achieve your goals if you really want to,” Noel added.

Noel has set up a GoFundMe page for the cycle, for those who want to donate to the good cause.

Adam has also been getting ready to join the Little Blue Heroes, a not-for-profit charity run by volunteers made up of garda members and staff, retired garda members, their families, friends, and civic minded people from communities.

Adam’s mother, Danni, explained what it entails and how important it will be for Adam and the family.

“Two of the Mullingar garda members are due to visit him this week to give Adam his uniform, before he heads to headquarters in Dublin to get his medals and get a proper welcome to the gardaí,” Danni said.

“We are helping him see that anything is possible for him, and that he is able to live as normally as he can and show him there is no boundaries just because he has a disability,” Danni said.

For anyone who wants to follow Adam’s journey, visit Instagram.