Hundreds get ready to saddle up for Cork's Christmas Cracker Cycle in aid of Marymount Hospice

IT’S no wonder that people are getting back in the saddle for the 14th year of the annual Christmas Cracker Cycle in aid of Marymount Hospice, taking place this Saturday December 3.

Marymount University Hospice is always there for people who need care and support at the most vulnerable time of their lives. It is a source of comfort and solace where you are met and greeted on arrival, where the staff and volunteers are on first name terms with you, where your family members can stay with you at any time of the day or night.

“It’s not surprising that so many people register and turn up for the Christmas Cracker Cycle,” says Liam Kerins from Glanmire, who is Marymount’s head of finance.

“It is for the cause. There are very few people in Cork who haven’t been touched by Marymount, be it through family, friend or neighbour.”

Liam, a member of cycling club Lee Roadies, has been saddling up for the last eight years for ‘the cause’.

“The fundraiser for Marymount is a staple in my diary,” says Liam. “I got my first bike when I was 13 and I’ve been cycling ever since.”

Liam is not afraid of a drop of rain. That won’t deter supporters of Marymount Hospice.

“A drop of rain never washed anyone away!” says Liam laughing.

“Even people who don’t like being out in the rain and have their bikes stowed away will make the effort to join in the cycle to raise funds for Marymount.

Between 300 and 400 people take part in the cycle, a good chunk of club cyclists are represented.

They are not professional cyclists.

“The majority of people who take part in the Marymount Christmas Cracker Cycle are not racers or touring cyclists. For most of them it is a hobby, and this is a way of enjoying it while supporting a good cause.”

Participants vary.

“It’s not just the middle-aged men in Lycra that turn up,” says Liam.

“The ladies arrive too! Everyone enjoys the bit of fun and it is a fun day out.”

Liam, like thousands of others, has been touched by the wonderful care and support that Marymount Hospice provides for patients and their families.

“In a previous life, I worked with a lady who was cared for in Marymount Hospice,” says Liam.

“She was blown away by the care she received, the kindness, the support and the comfort consoled her at the toughest of times.

“Often, acute hospitals are too busy to deal with family and other matters. Here, the whole person is treated, the spiritual side is catered for, and any stresses like financial stress are taken care of. Marymount encompasses all of that.”

Rose Murphy has experienced all of those things that Marymount provides.

“My mother, Joan Murphy, got a cancer diagnosis in 2015. She got the all-clear but unfortunately the cancer came back,” says Rose.

“Mum was in and out of Marymount Hospice for two months and she spent the last two weeks of her life there. It wasn’t the hospital setting she was used to.”

It was so much more.

“Mum had lovely surroundings in Marymount,” says Rose.

“She had a balcony that looked out onto lovely gardens. The volunteers were so kind to her, and she enjoyed lovely meals made specially for her When she felt well enough, we were able to take mum out for a little outing which she enjoyed.”

Joan was well looked after.

“The nurse from Marymount called out to her at home when she was there. An eye was always kept on her. Marymount Hospice is not just about the four walls. The palliative care spreads at home and away.”

Joan got individual care.

“In Marymount, it is all about the patient,” says Rose.

“The staff there are so kind, you never hear a cross word or a bad word. Everyone is so respectful. That was so nice given the situation we found ourselves in.”

Rose was happy that her mother was happy.

Marymount Hospice is a lovely place with private rooms, and you can visit the person in their room and have a cosy chat.

“When we went for a stroll around the hospice, we often made use of the family room which was very welcoming. It has bean bags to relax in, games and puzzles to play. People passing in the corridor dropped in to say hallo to us.

“Marymount is such a friendly, welcoming place with wonderful staff and volunteers.”

No wonder Rose has participated in the annual Christmas Cracker Cycle in aid of Marymount University Hospice for 12 years.

“Yes, I’ve been participating in the event for 12 years now,” says Rose.

“I really enjoy the day. There is nothing to match it. The enthusiasm among the cyclists is fantastic.”

Not all middle-aged men turn out in Lycra.

“Half the men are dressed up!” says Rose laughing.

The bikes are decorated too.

“There’s loads of bikes decked out with tinsel and lights!” says Rose.

“There’s a great atmosphere. We have a garda escort on motorbikes and support vehicles on board and they ride a mile or two ahead of us.”

Rose says the service Marymount Hospice provides is second to none.

“I can’t say enough about it,” she says. 

Marymount touches everybody and everyone knows the wonderful service that the hospice provides for patients and their families. It is just excellent.

Noel Forde, from Bishopstown, is in full agreement with Rose. He too is gearing up for the Christmas Cracker Cycle in aid of Marymount University Hospice.

“My friend passed away from cancer in Marymount,” says Noel.

Now he is using his hobby to help a good cause, one close to his heart.

“I’ve been doing the charity cycle now for 10 years,” says Noel.

“I always look forward to the day out, we always have a good cycle. It is for a great cause.”

MORE ABOUT THE EVENT

The Christmas Cracker Annual Cycle for Marymount University Hospice takes place on Saturday, December 3.

There are two routes to chose from: a 60km and an 80km option.

To register go to: marymount.ie/events/christmas-cracker-cycle