We're cycling from the northern most tip of Ireland to its most southerly by antique bicycle, in full dress (flat caps included!) Malin to Mizen, all for Cancer Fund for Children. The vital funds will go towards bringing joy to families of young children diagnosed with cancer or support them emotionally in the bereavement process after a parent / sibling has passed. Cancer Fund for Children support these families at home, in their schools and communities.  They can bring these families together again, in their purpose built residential centre, Daisy Lodge, Newcastle Co. Down, for fun, therapies and togetherness.

The cyclist team: Paul Caddell, Damian Caddell, Vincent Caddell, David Caddell, Matthew Caddell and Liam Caddell our support driver.

Vincent's Story:

In August of 2021, on the due date of our second child, my eldest son Enda (at 14 months old) was diagnosed with a brain tumour; Coming completely out of the blue after a scan was taken to check an eye abnormality. We were told he would require eighteen months of chemotherapy, along with countless other appointments to keep an eye on his health and development along the way.

When a family gets this kind of news it really does change your life. From the very large questions we have down to the very smallest aspects of daily life. As well as not spending as much time as a family due to one parent leaving for appointments etc. It's news that no parent ever thinks about hearing and being part of this world was very strange at first. Hospital visits, check-ups, seeing other sick children at different stages of treatment and different ages... You're starting out and it's all new. There were so many families already going through what we had just started out on.

After ten weeks of intensive chemotherapy, Cancer fund for Children reached out to us and offered a short break. Located near Tolleymore Forest at the foot of the Mournes, Daisy Lodge is their Alpine lodge style residential centre where parents and families go to be brought together away from cancer treatment schedules and busy lives. It meant so much to get to meet other parents and talk about our experiences with others that understand what we were going through. We were welcomed into the most tranquil place and looked after with lunch, dinner and breakfast as well as complimentary therapies. Leaving parents with a sense of hope, feeling recharged and ready for the next challenges whatever they might be.

"  The sad reality is that every week in Northern Ireland another three children or young people will be diagnosed with cancer. As Northern Ireland’s leading children’s cancer charity, Cancer Fund for Children understands the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis and its treatment has on the whole family, and that beyond the essential medical care, there is a family life that needs to be rebuilt. "

Every year, from the point of diagnosis, they support over 500 families and 1,500 children and young people diagnosed with cancer, living with a parent with cancer or bereaved families after the loss of a child or parent. With family breaks and Parent/Guardian respites they are making a real difference to young people and their families living with cancer. The support is focused not just on the young person, but on the whole family. Their aim is to empower, connect and strengthen them, so they feel equipped to deal with whatever the future may hold. 

So six months in, Enda is responding well and growing up to be quite a character / performer! Thanks to the help of everyone from the specialists and nurses to the incredible staff at Daisy Lodge, we're beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel and think about life after treatment. For others though it's just beginning; and this is for them! For their chance to rebuild as a family and feel the joy that's possible once more.