Sophie's Cycle set for end of May

Paramedics from the midlands are helping to co-ordinate a special fundraiser in aid of Crumlin hospital that will see Sophie's Cycle take place on the weekend of May 26 and 27. The initiative not only raises much needed funds for the hospital, but is also intended to show the paramedics support for one of their colleagues, who has a seriously ill child in Crumlin. Baby Sophie Mahon was born last October. She was immediately rushed to Crumlin when it was discovered that she was suffering from renal and cardiac problems. The outlook was not good, but due to the great work of the hospital, Sophie has survived, and while still a patient at the hospital, she is making great progress. Sophie's mother Leona and father Hugh live in Tullamore while Leona is a paramedic with the midlands division of the national ambulance service based at Portlaoise ambulance station. Her colleagues from the seven stations in the midlands division will cycle from Longford to Edenderry on Saturday May 26, visiting Ballymahon, Athlone and Mullingar on the way. The following day the cycle will start in Tullamore and finish in Portlaoise visiting Birr, Roscrea, Borris-in-Ossory and Mountrath en route. The event is open to any cyclists or cycling clubs and sponsorship cards are available. Transport to the first and last stages, and all stages in between, will be provided. Monies raised will go towards the renal, cardiology and cancer units at the Dublin-based children's hospital. Staff at the hospital are forced to work in cramped conditions, a situation which is unlikely to change in the near future as the controversy regarding the location of the national childrens hospital continues. Anybody interested in taking part in the cycle, providing sponsorship or helping in any way can contact Gerry McKeon on 083 0037746 or at gerry.mckeon.ie@gmail.com. Donations can be made to the Sophie's Cycle run at any AIB branch.