Tour de Achill Cycle in aid of ‘Steps with Roisin’

A group of – as they describe themselves – “untrained, unfit, amateur cyclists” are attempting to complete the ‘Tour de Achill’ cycling event on Saturday September 2, for charity.

The cycle is 117km across the rugged, hilly terrain of Achill Island and surrounding areas.

The group are cycling in aid of ‘Steps with Roisin’ a fantastic cause to raise money to send seven-year-old Roisin O’Loughlin, who has Cerebral Palsy to the USA for life changing surgery.

Roisin has been receiving a number of different therapies from an early age. She wears orthotics on her legs during the day. She uses a walker to help her get around and a wheelchair for longer distances.

Roisin suffers with pains in her legs, her feet, her back and her wrist. Her Cerebral Palsy can get her down, but she is a warrior and won’t let it stop her from living her life.

She attends physiotherapy every week and does exercises and stretches at home. She has spasticity (tightness in muscles) in her legs and that causes her pain and makes it difficult for her to move.

Roisin has recently been accepted for SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy) surgery by Dr Parks in St Louis, Missouri, USA.

It is a specialist surgery that is not available in Ireland. The surgery has the potential to have a hugely positive impact on Roisin’s life – reducing her spasticity, improving posture, balance and her overall level of comfort.

The surgery and the follow-up therapies are expensive and are beyond what her family can afford ourselves.

The group of cyclists and supporters would be very grateful for any donation towards the surgery and the follow up care to help Roisin.

There is a GoFundMe set up to make it easy to donate.