Starting today, three employees of Powerpoint Engineering in Portlaoise will commence a three-day, 575km cycle from Malin Head in Donegal to Slea Head in the Dingle Peninsula in aid of DEBRA Ireland.
Conor McGarry, David Phelan and Johan Erasmus are undertaking the arduous charity cycle which has been inspired by fellow Laois person, Emma Fogarty.
Emma, who lives in Abbeyleix, suffers from EB and is a Patient Ambassador for DEBRA Ireland.
Emma turns 37 today and says it’s a good omen that the cycle co-incides with her birthday. Conor, Johan and David would like to wish Emma a very happy birthday and hope to do Emma proud on this very special day.
EB means that Emma’s skin is as fragile as the wings of a butterfly. Unfortunately there is no cure or treatment and for Emma the only way of controlling the wounds is constant bandage changes every second day.
Emma has kindly shared a special video message of support for the cycle.
Conor, Johan and David will leave Malin Head at 7am this morning and take on a 195km cycle to Strandhill in Sligo where they will stay overnight. They have estimated that the cycle will take them roughly 10 hours and 15 minutes.
On Saturday morning, they will leave Strandhill and travel 191km through the rugged mountains of Connemara finishing at Rosaveel port in Galway where they will then get the evening ferry across to Innis Oir, the smallest of the Aran Islands.
After an overnight stay on Innis Oir, they will take a 7am ferry on Sunday morning to Doolin in Clare.
From Doolin, the lads will set out on the final leg of their journey, finishing 190km later on Sunday evening at Ireland’s most westerly point, overlooking the Blasket Islands at Slea Head on the Dingle peninsula.
The lads have already raised an incredible €26,000+ and have been blown away by the donations and messages of support they have received so far.
“Every donation, big or small, is very much appreciated with every cent raised going to this very worthy charity.
“If you want to know more about DEBRA Ireland and this chronic skin condition, take a minute to watch Emma’s video message of support.
“This clearly shows how great and brave Emma is and for us, she is our special Laois hero who deserves as much support as we can give her.”
If you would like to support “Cycle for DEBRA Ireland” please visit the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/cycle-for-DEBRA-ireland
