Cork girl goes the extra mile to support Marymount and raises over €3k
Ellie Murphy cycled over 32km on Saturday in aid of Marymount.
A Cork girl cycled over 30km within a 2km radius of her home at the weekend to raise money for Marymount, a charity close to her heart.
Ellie Murphy, 12, from Rathpeacon decided to challenge herself for a worthy cause and undertake a 30km cycle in laps around her home in aid of the Cork hospice.
"We have been cycling locally every day lately since lockdown and Ellie just thought maybe it would be nice to do something for charity.
"She is usually involved in a lot of sports between Rathpeacon NS and Rockbán football and camogie club and definitely misses her sports," Ellie's mum Catherine told .
"Our usual route is 5km, within the 2km distance rule. For the charity cycle we set a higher, but an achievable distance of 30km," she continued.
Ellie settled on Marymount as the beneficiary of proceeds from her cycle which has a special place in her heart as the hospice staff cared for her late granduncle with immense kindness.
"She had heard about how charities were having a hard time fundraising during this current crisis.
"When she read that that Marymount need to raise €3.5m to ensure continued service, that sealed the deal.
"Marymount is a charity that is close to so many Corkonians' hearts and our own is no different.
"Ellie's granduncle Johnny passed away in Marymount after a battle with cancer in November 2018 and none of us will ever forget the sense of peace and calm and kindness that one experiences inside those doors," Catherine said.
On Saturday Ellie set out on her cycle cheered on by neighbours who lined out with banners to show their support.
"The local community really got behind her," Catherine said.
"On Saturday morning her school principal, Mrs O'Neill rang to say that her own father, who is also a neighbour of ours, would love to take out his vintage beetle and escort Ellie on her first lap.
"Her younger brother and sister and her cousin also accompanied her on the first lap."
Ellie was also cheered on by her grandad who viewed the goings-on from his house.
"We decided we would start down at her grandparents' house which is close by so they could see her off.
"Ellie's granny is currently in hospital and her grandad is cocooning.
"We completed the route in just under two and a half hours, with just water stops.
"The final distance was actually just over 32km, as we decided to go the extra mile as the staff of Marymount, and healthcare workers in general, always do," Catherine said.
With an initial target of €100 set, Ellie has far surpassed that, raising close to €4,000 to date.
If you would like to support Ellie's fundraiser visit her GoFundMe page:
