Ann Hassett is my 85 year old mother and she is an incredible lady. At the age of 7 her father died from TB and she was immediately sent away to be reared by her kind bachelor uncle Jimmy who lived over his shop on Dorset Street, Dublin 1. At the age of 21 she found herself pregnant. Not for a moment did she consider taking the boat to England like so many others in the Ireland of the time. Boy, am I glad. I am the result. My mother is an incredibly tough lady but also full of kindness. Over the years, she has been part of many fundraising initiatives and raising enormous sums for MS Ireland, Enable Ireland & the Irish Cancer Society, to name but a few.


In February 2020 my mum had a stroke but has bravely battled on. In May 2021 there was a further setback when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. In June 2021 there was a mastectomy. One of the best calls I ever received was from my mum the day after her operation telling me that she had a pain in her ass sitting on her ass in the hospital. Mum has been at home recuperating but the cancer has returned and there are ongoing hospital visits for radiation therapy. Still, every time I meet her she’s full of smiles and concerned about how I’m getting on. See, she’s a battler who’s full of kindness.

Now it’s time to give something back. I will cycle 100 kilometres per day on 10 consecutive days (1,000 kilometres total) for the duration of a challenge which takes place from November 4th to November 13th in an effort to raise much needed funds. On the last day of the challenge I plan to cycle right past mum’s home where we can wave at each other. I attach a go fund me link and please donate whatever you can.