Tallaght pre-school supports Route 66 adventure

A BIKER who is raising funds for Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Tallaght began his fundraising journey in a pre-school in Tallaght.

“It was brilliant, the kids were hopping,” said Suzanne Sheridan, owner of St Elmo’s pre-school, Knockmore.

The children were also thrilled to get into a Lamborghini car which was there on the day.

Dave Perry, Bailieborough, County Cavan along with twenty other bikers brought their motor bikes to St Elmo’s for a display in their yard, giving the afterschool children the chance to have a chat with the bikers and get photos taken with the motorbikes.

Dave along with 70 other bikers will travel Route 66 in the U.S for about 10 days in September.

This will involve travelling 3,800 kilometres across nine states and over four different time zones with participants having to raise €10,000 each for the Children’s Health Foundation.

Hospitals under the Children’s Health Foundation include CHI at Tallaght, which provides outpatient and emergency care unit services, the paediatric outpatient and urgent care centre in Connolly hospital, Blanchardstown, and the emergency and urgent care services at Crumlin.

Bikers at St Elmo’s pre-school in Knockmore

“All the children were involved and engaged with the bikers, asking questions, they knew all about Route 66.

“It won’t be forgotten,” said Suzanne.

The company Little Cookie Monsters trading as St. Elmo’s Preschool, Knockmore Junior School, Tallaght, Dublin 24, which is owned by Suzanne, is donating €1000 to Dave’s fundraising efforts.

Suzanne Sheridan presents Dave Perry with a cheque for €1,000

Tea and sandwiches were also provided at today’s event by local newsagent, ‘Timmy’s’, Knockmore Avenure.

The Route 66 fundraiser has taken place once every two years since 2002 (except for during the pandemic) and has raised over €5 million for sick children.

The impact of this fundraiser is visible throughout the CHI hospitals and urgent care centres, according to the CHI website.

Money raised to date has helped to redevelop critical wards and purchase vital life-saving equipment.

“Two years ago this fundraiser raised €800,000, which covered the cost of a full intensive care suite in the Children’s Hospital in Temple Street. Money raised also goes towards parents having to stay in rented accommodation nearby which is especially important for parents who live down the country,” said Dave.

Originally from the UK but having lived in Ireland for the last twenty years, Dave is a cameraman and also a passionate biker.

He is also making a documentary about his fundraising and his travels on Route 66 which will be available on his you-tube channel, and his social media channels at Wheelie Good TV where people can also make donations.

Last year Dave met Suzanne’s husband, Mark on a fundraising bike ride for Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health.

Mark was unable to take part in the Route 66 fundraiser but Suzanne still wanted to donate to Dave’s fundraising efforts.

“After all the kids are out future,” said Suzanne.