Westerly winds not enough to hold back cyclists' journey for Adam
By Sarah Slevin
Last Friday Mullingar Garda Tomás Blake took on a 180km cycle and a mountain climb to raise money after being inspired by the bravery of local boy Adam Boyce.
Adam Boyce (6), who has cerebral palsy, has shown great determination and independence despite the obstacles he faces daily, especially in attending Diarmada NS in Whitehall.
“His grandad, Noel, told me that Adam doesn’t even let his parents dress him in the morning, he does it himself. So I thought I could do something for Adam, as well as the school, to help make sure he can keep going there,” Tomás said.
His mother, Danni, told Tomás that it was difficult and costly to get the correct wheelchair and car seat for Adam, so Tomás wanted to find a way to help.
“Myself and some parents said we wanted to raise money for the school, and also for Adam, who has lots of hurdles getting to school every day,” Tomás said.
Tomás, alongside a gang of five cyclists, Adam’s grandfather, Noel, Diarmada school secretary, AnneMarie McKenna, plus Darren Melia, Ray Farley and David Casserly, set off from Diarmada NS in Whitehall on Friday.
“All the kids had posters at the school to cheer us off, it was really good, the school was brilliant,” Tomás said.
After eight hours of cycling, they reached Westport, and the next day, Tomás climbed Croagh Patrick solo.
“The wind was in our faces the whole way from Whiteall to Westport, it was torture. But I got a fabulous day for the climb up Croagh Patrick on the Saturday,” Tomás said.
“I was hoping to raise €1000, but it has reached over €4000 now. The generosity of people, local and outside the county, was fantastic. And my Celtic supporters club have given over €300, it’s been brilliant,” Tomás said.
Tomás has said he always tries to do something for charity but this year he was especially inspired by Adam’s story.
“Adam’s story probably touched everybody. For me, it wasn’t a whole lot to do, one day to cycle down and then a few hours the next morning to climb Croagh Patrick,” Tomás said.
“But for this little fella, who is fighting every day of the week, it’s him that’s the hero. The little bit we did is nothing compared to what he does every day,” Tomás said.
Anyone who wants to donate can do so at www.gofundme.com/f/whitehall-to-westport.
Adam’s grandad, Noel, has also set up a fundraiser for Adam, and has been getting ready to take on Mondello24 next month.
Mondello24 is a 24-hour endurance cycling challenge that takes place in the international race circuit at Naas on June 18.
Noel has set up a GoFundMe page for the cycle for those who want to donate to the good cause: www.gofundme.com/f/adams-heroic-journey.
And for anyone who wants to follow Adam’s journey, visit Instagram @adams_heroic_journey/.