Firefighters get on their bikes and raise €10,000 for cancer
By Aideen O'Flaherty
FIREFIGHTERS from Dublin Fire Brigade and members of the public raised €10,000 for the Irish Cancer Society Action Prostate and the Beaumont Foundation Rapid Access Clinic at a cycling event in Marino on Sunday.
The Staying in the Saddle for Prostate Cancer event, which was organised by the DFB Cycling Club, saw 230 cyclists, consisting of firefighters from stations all over Dublin, including Tallaght, Rathfarnham and Dolphin’s Barn, and members of the public, take on the challenge.
Firefighter Liz Hanley, Third Officer Brendan Carroll, Lord Mayor Cllr Nial Ring, Station Officer Brendan Lodola and Assistant Chief Fire Officer John Keogh with a cheque for €10,000 raised for the Irish Cancer Society Action Prostate and the Beaumont Foundation Rapid Access Clinic
There were two routes available on the day, one of 115k and one of 50k, and both brought the cyclists along the scenic coast and North County Dublin.
Liz Hanley, the secretary of the DFB Cycling Club, told The Echo: “We had a great day out at our first Cycling Ireland authorised event.
“We had 230 cyclists – members of the public and the Dublin Fire Brigade took part on the day, with a large number of volunteers also.
“Cycle Superstore provided free mechanical assistance before and during the event.
“Post-cycle food was provided by Firehouse Pizza Ireland, and post-event massage was by Hamilton Pain and Injury Clinic.
“We extend our gratitude for all the support we have received from Dublin Fire Brigade, DFB Sports and Social Club, Dubco, Firehouse Pizza, Cycle Superstore and to all the volunteers who gave their time, facilities and equipment in order to make this event successful.
“Thanks to everyone for supporting our event.”
The event was also held to raise awareness of prostate cancer which, according to Liz, has survival rates as high as 98 per cent, but this falls to 26 per cent if the cancer is discovered later, and that, in its early stages, the cancer is usually symptomless.
For more information on prostate cancer, visit the Irish Cancer Society website at www.cancer.ie/cancer-information/prostate-cancer.
