'Everybody has just been so good'

Push and pull a sledge, run, ski, lunge and jump this Sunday (September 7) for Leon Briody and Oscar’s Kids.

The many obstacles faced during Dutchy’s Hyrox for Leon are minimal in comparison to the challenges taken on by members of Oscar’s Kids, a childhood cancer charity which helps children and their families.

It’s something that the team at Dutchy’s know, which is why they wanted to raise money for a charity that has helped their gym member Diane and her son Leon.

One hundred and forty brave participants will take part in the hopes of raising much-needed funds for Leon and Oscar’s Kids. The Cavan gym had set an ambitious goal of raising €10k, which they have smashed already before the event begins this weekend.

Leon’s mum Diane has been a committed gym member for the past nine years.

“It’s just so overwhelming, everybody wants to donate and take part,” Diane tells the Celt.

“It’s such an amazing charity, the work they do for families of kids that are going through cancer treatment, it’s just been amazing.

“They make lovely memories for people in dark times, they give them something to look forward to.”

“Nothing is ever too much to ask,” Diane explains, when it comes to the supports that the charity provides. They funded a trip for the family to Disneyland, while they also help families to pay food and ESB bills, overnight stays when children are in hospital and more.

“When we do have a stay in hospital, they’ll always send over a balloon hamper or toys, treats.”

“The funds that are raised through this will go to help so many families. We’re on the other side of receiving from Oscar’s Kids and it just brightens up your day and gives you something to look forward to.”

“They go above and beyond.”

Leon was diagnosed with Leukaemia at the age of four and recently received the news that there are no further treatment options available.

“Leon is just going to do Leon at the minute and he’s just loving life,” Diane describes.

“There was no more treatment for Leon, and Oscar’s Kids said ‘anything, what is he into?’”

“I said do you know what, he loves jerseys.”

The whole country and beyond rallied around the Castletara man, who wanted a jersey from every county in Ireland. When Oscar’s Kids put out the call, their wish was granted in less than 12 hours. GAA jerseys came from Luxembourg, Switzerland, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and from all over Ireland.

“The GAA community is literally like a family,” Diane praises. Club members travelled county-wide to visit the Briodys in their home and gift Leon with a jersey, while social media got to work tagging until Leon’s dream came true.

Now the nine-year-old has a rail of 310 jerseys, which he chooses from each morning, thanks to the generosity of the local community and beyond.

“He goes up every morning and he goes through the rail,” Diane explains.

Today, Leon has selected the green and yellow training top for his own Ballyhaise U10 team. The family also got the chance to go to the All-Ireland semi-final and final in Croke Park, where Leon got the chance to meet his

favourite players.

“These funds will be well spent,” his mum assures.

Meanwhile, the response to the event has been “massive” according to Darragh Holland of Dutchy’s Fitness, who says it is going to be their “biggest” Hyrox challenge yet.

“The beauty of it is everyone can do it; it just depends on the fitness levels how quick you do it.”

Meanwhile Diane said she will participate in the Hyrox by giving out tea and water, also “observing and encouraging”, she says with a laugh.

“We’ll let the professionals do it.”

Diane thanked everybody who has helped them in the past few weeks and months.

“Thank you to Dutchy’s, thanks to everybody who donated and got the amount so far.

“Everybody has just been so good with the support for Leon. Everybody.”