WE HAVE NOW MOVED OUR SITE TO WWW.TRACIELAWLORTRUST.COM DUE TO THE NUMBER OF VARIOUS EVENTS TAKING PLACE FOR THIS CHARITY. PLEASE VISIT THIS SITE FOR INFORMATION ON UPCOMING EVENTS. THE CYCLES IN IRELAND AND KENTUCKY ARE NOW OVER HOWEVER A CYCLE IN CHINA WILL BE HELD ON THE 2ND AUGUST 2008. PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY CLICKING ON THE DONATE BUTTON AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE **********************************************
On Saturday 5th April 2008 about 130 cyclists set off from UCD grounds in Dublin for a 140 km Charity Cycle to raise much needed funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers. The event was dedicated to the memory of the late Tracie Lawlor who passed away last November from Cystic Fibrosis. Tracie lived a full and vibrant life which was in no way defined by her illness. Those who were lucky enough to know her were inspired by her enduring spirit and irresistible charm. Tracie was the inspiration behind this event which we hope will make a significant difference in the hometown of our dear friend.
A convoy of vans and cars led by Joe O’Brien coaches, who transported the cyclists, left The Porterhouse Castlebridge at 6.30am to meet up with those already in Dublin. After registration and a word of advice from Pat Geoghan the cyclists set off at 9.20. The weather was fantastic as the wind was in their backs, which helped those who realised they should have trained a little more, but they all set out to enjoy and relished the challenge ahead. By the time they reached the first stop at The Beehive the more experienced riders of the Slaney Cycling Club and Wexford Wheelers were well ahead of the rest of the lads. The first of the riders reached Castlebridge at 1.30 and the last at 4.30, which was well ahead of the times set out by each rider.
As each rider finished they were presented with a medal by Tracie’s mam Philomena to mark their achievement. Refreshments were provided in The Porterhouse and the Castlebridge fife & Drum Band also entertained the crowd who had turned out to welcome the cyclists home. This was a very special and emotional occasion for the Lawlor family who were delighted with the event and one of the biggest cheers of the day was when Tracie’s brothers Brian and Joseph arrived home. Joseph who also suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and has spearheaded a campaign for better facilities Nationally, was very pleased with his own performance. Joseph also won the Talbot Hotel/South East Radio Person of the Year for 2008.
Organisers Ruairi Culleton and John Morrissey were delighted with the way the whole day went and would like to thank all those who helped in any way to make the day such a success, Joe O’Brien, Anthony Neville, Slaney Cycling Club, Wexford Wheelers, Motor Cycle Club, Order of Malta, Enniscorthy Lions Club, Alan Corcoran of SER, all the participants and a special thanks to Ian and Philomena Lawlor for all their help. Another cycle has been organised in Lexington Kentucky on the 27th April by Cathal Beale, a close friend of Tracie's who is currently on a course there. As Cathal could not participate in the cycle in Ireland he has devoted his little spare time to preparing for a charity cycle from Louisville racecourse to Keeneland racecourse. The sponsorship raised will be added to the same fund to try improve the standard of living for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers in Wexford.
Cathal Beale, a close friend of Tracie Lawlor who tragically passed away in November 2007, was crushed when he could not partake in the cycle from Dublin to Wexford on April 5th this year but his disappointment soon turned to inspiration to organise a cycle in Kentucky where he is currently on a scholarship with Darley Flying Start. He convinced five of his new found friends to put together an event that would mirror the charity cycle in Ireland. On Sunday 27th April, six young men began their six and a half hour
journey from Churchill Downs to Keeneland to raise money and awareness
for Cystic Fibrosis. They set off with months of training behind them to cycle the 125km route. The road was long and steep but the wind and rain kept their distance as the boys pedalled their way through the small towns and villages of Kentucky. They all finished the journey without too much struggle and in keeping with the spirit of the Irish cycle, they received medals on their return for their fantastic achievement. They were welcomed to their final stop to a well deserved barbeque feast and twenty to thirty people who applauded each one as they passed the finish line. The sponsorship raised together with the money raised from the charity tablequiz they organised on Wednesday 23rd April came to a total of over $1,500 which will be sent over to Wexford to be added to the €55,000 which was raised from the Irish cycle. Tracie's parents Ian and Philomena Lawlor are eternally grateful for all the work that has been put into these events. A trust has now been set up called the Tracie Lawlor Trust for which many more events will take place to raise money in the future. If you would like to donate to this charity please visit www.tracielawlortrust.com where you can also find information on upcoming events and details about Cystic Fibrosis.
ABOUT CYSTIC FIBROSIS:
Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease which affects the lungs and digestive system. Almost one in twenty people are carriers, and where two carriers have a child there is a one in four chance of that child having this life-threatening disease. Ireland has the highest incidence of cystic fibrosis in the world (30 to 40 children are born with CF every year) yet the life expectancy of CF sufferers in Ireland is lower than those in Britain and the US. This is because of the lack of suitable facilities in the country and therefore the reason for our cause.
