Father and son cycle 140km to support Alzheimer Society

A FATHER and son team from Tallaght raised over €5,000 for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland this weekend, after undertaking a gruelling 140km charity cycle in memory of their mother and grandmother.

Martin (52) and Sean (20) O’Donnell, from Tymon North in Tallaght, set off from the Firhouse home that Martin was raised in, and cycled to the childhood home of their late mother and grandmother, Kathleen O’Donnell, in Ballinamuck, Longford, on Saturday.

Ms O’Donnell passed away in 2014, aged 79, and the assistance that the O’Donnell family received from the Alzheimer Society in her final years was a vital support.

Martin and Sean decided to embark on the 140km charity cycle, taking in the home where Ms O’Donnell was raised and the home where she went on to raise her own children, to raise funds for the charity.

The two-man team completed the cycle in just over ten hours on Saturday, and while they faced sharp inclines and some gravelly roads that added an extra layer of difficulty, the reason why they were carrying out the challenge was at the forefront of their minds.

“It was really good, but it was emotional at times,” said Martin. “It was raining and I thought, ‘This is my mother having a go at us and pushing us on’.

“It was always at the back of my mind, that this was for Mam and it was all about Mam. It was very emotional.

“Growing up, Longford was like our Spain, we always went there for our holidays. We have great memories there.”

Martin and Sean’s relatives cheered them on as they completed the challenge at Ms O’Donnell’s childhood home in Longford.

Martin and Kathleen O’Donnell

“We were just relieved that we did it,” added Martin. “I think Mam would’ve thought we were mad for doing it, but as my aunts, uncles and cousins said, she would’ve been proud.

“I know, 100 per cent, that she was backing us all the way and looking after us.”

When Ms O’Donnell was diagnosed with Alzheimers, Martin said it was “all new” to the family, who wanted to ascertain how they could best help Ms O’Donnell.

“Members of the family got in touch with the Alzheimer Society,” he explained, “and they were able to point us to other support services.

“They were ready to support us in any way they could, and helped us to find practical things we needed.”

The two-man team was supported by their family, friends and club, Ballyboden St Enda’s, who got behind the challenge and, at the time of going to print, had raised over €5,500 for the Alzheimer Society.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Martin. “We’re blown away by people’s support and generosity. It’s very humbling.”

Donations will continue to be accepted at www.tinyurl.com/ASIODonnell until September 21.