Laois man's 'Road to Recovery' event raised over €6k for Friends of Portlaoise hospital
Organisers Niamh and Toney Ryan with Friends of Portlaoise Hospital chairperson Emma Dempsey
“I AM OVERWHELMED” is how the organiser of a fundraising event for the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital described his latest venture.
For the past four years, Toney Ryan from Pike of Rushall, along with his wife Margaret, daughter Niamh and other family members were joined by a hard-working committee from Friends of Portlaoise Hospital to help organise the Road to Recovery Truck Run in aid of two hospitals who supported him through a difficult period in his life.
On Sunday 23 February, vehicles of all shapes and sizes took off from Castletown Community Centre and raised much-needed funds for the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital.
“It was a wonderful day despite the dreadful weather,” said Toney.
Four years ago, Toney ended up in St James’s Hospital, Dublin with a serious illness. He was later diagnosed with cancer and was treated in both Portlaoise and St James’s hospitals.
“I wanted to give something back because I am so lucky to be alive. That is how I came up with the name of our fundraiser, Road to Recovery, because that is the road I was on.
Just four years up and running, the road run has raised almost €20,000 for both hospitals. For the first three years, the money went to the Friends of St James’s Hospital, but this year, a decision was made to look a little closer to home and so far €6,000 has been collected for the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital.
“It is a family affair and we are delighted to be associated with the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital. They gave us great help in organising the event and we are very grateful to them.
The Road to Recovery fundraising event takes place each year on the last Sunday in February. Here’s to next year’s fundraiser!
See a two-page spread from this event in next week's issue of the newspaper available in all local stores from next Tuesday.
