Call to community to saddle up for cancer charity cycle
By Mary Dennehy
TALLAGHT University Hospital (TUH) is inviting the community to saddle up for cancer this September in a bid to raise vital funds for its oncology day ward.
The local hospital this week launched its fifth annual charity cycle, with funds raised being used to buy specialised chairs for patients receiving cancer treatment.
Launching the Tallaght University Hospital Foundation Cycle for the TUH cancer ward are (from left) Caoimhe Kálnoki (Senior Dietician), Ian O’Gorman (Head of Catering), and Sandra Greville (CNM2 Burkitt Ward)
More than 5,000 patients attend the oncology ward at TUH every year for their cancer treatment.
According to clinical nurse manager Heather Sloane, over the past two years, and with the support of hospital management and donations from organisations and individuals, the ward has received a redesign, redecoration and the purchase of an additional cold-cap machine to help prevent a patient’s hair loss during treatment.
Art therapy and a TV have also been introduced to help patients occupy their time while going through their treatment.
However, Ms Sloane said that the recliner chairs available to patients need to be replaced.
“Patients who attend for their cancer treatment can be on the ward for a number of hours and sometimes the entire day,” Ms Sloane said.
“Having the most comfortable seat possible is so important for their comfort.
“A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who is getting involved in the cycle and helping to make our patients’ treatment as comfort as possible.”
The TUH Foundation Charity Cycle will peddle off on September 7, with the fun event offering two routes depending on ability – a 50km and a 100km cycle in the Wicklow Mountains. It costs €50 to register, which will go towards buying new chairs for the oncology ward.
Former patient Simon Meyler said: “As a cancer survivor and former patient, I have first-hand experience of the amazing work that TUH does.
“They helped me and my family get through my illness, and I am proof that no matter how bad it got, Tallaght was there to help us every step of the way.
“It would be fantastic to see people coming on board, challenging themselves to cycle this fun event in aid of this incredible ward that helps support cancer patients and their families every day.”
Douglas Collins, CEO of the Tallaght University Hospital Foundation, the principle fundraising body for TUH, said that cyclists will cross the finish line “safe in the knowledge that they have made a difference in the life of cancer patients”.
Those who register early for the event, before August 23, will get a cycling jersey and be in with the chance of winning one of two €50 Cycle Superstore gift vouchers.
For further details or to register visit www.tuhf.ie.
