Over €8,000 raised for local cancer charity
Voluntary organisation supports cancer patients and their families
August 19 marked the day two remarkable young boys and their dad passed over a cheque of €8,410 to a local cancer charity.
Derek McElwaine and his sons James and Conor fundraised for Bailieborough Cancer Comfort, knowing first-hand the vital services they provide to cancer patients.
The voluntary organisation supports cancer patients and their families by driving them to and from hospital appointments.
Conor, aged eight, climbed the mountain twice; while his brother James (11) and father climbed the mountain a steep three times in one day to raise money to help those battling cancer.
“We only trudged up a mountain for one day in the year, the cancer committee and the drivers deserve a hell of a lot of praise, they’re at it 365 days of the year,” said a humble Derek.
Funds raised go towards buying and maintaining the cars, covering expenses such as diesel/petrol, NCT, insurance etc.
“When my father availed of that service, myself and my two brothers never had to take a day off work.
“He was picked up at the house and dropped back to the house.”
Derek said this “means a lot” to his family and others in the same situation.
The Bailieborough man was shocked at the amount raised this year, mentioning that he wasn’t expecting this number with current inflation tightening everybody’s purse strings. James and Conor were constantly checking the fundraiser on Derek’s phone before the climb, disappointed that they were not raising as much as last year.
“The GoFundMe wasn’t creeping up but the last two days before the climb and even the day we were doing the climb the phone never stopped.”
Donations amounting to €220 were received on the mountain during the trek.
"People said it must be for a cause very close to our heart when two boys are willing to tackle the mountain three times. "When we tallied everything up, it was a nice surprise for them.
“People were just more than generous,” he praised.
Derek was proud watching his two boys hand over the cheque to Bailieborough Cancer Comfort last Friday evening.
“They were the centre of attention,” he said, with praise galore forthcoming from everybody saying they were “mighty children".
“And they are in fairness,” Derek added.
"All our family are fierce proud of our two warriors as well as the whole community around our area I'm sure."
Derek thanked all the local businesses who sponsored spot prizes for a raffle on the night, which raised €365, the people who donated to the fundraiser and to everybody who supported them throughout.
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