Members of the Irish Air Corps present a cheque for €20,000 to LARCC. Back from left: Noel Cheevers, Catherine Tormey, Sarah Heduan, Briga Gorman, Jamie Bray, Stephen Byrne, Bernie McHugh, Frank Russell, David Sutton, Marie Flanagan, Trisha McGrath, Stephanie Meehan and Audrey Waters, and in front: Roshan Gomez, Edward Hollingsworth, Jonathan Open, Linda Tracey and John O'Connell.

Air Corps raise €20k for LARCC

Charity cycle from Mizen to Malin in honour of LARCC founder

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As part of the Irish Air Corps 100 years celebrations, over 50 members of the Irish Air Corps took to the road to cycle 750 km from Mizen Head and Malin Head, to support Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC.

The cyclists set off from Mizen Head on September 5 and reached their final destination of Malin Head on September 9, and in doing so raised an staggering €20,000 for the charity through sponsorship and donations.

Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC is a community-based cancer support centre in Multyfarnham. Alongside its suite of professional day services offered on an appointment basis, LARCC is the only centre in Ireland offering therapeutic residential breaks for cancer patients.

Bernie McHugh, general manager of the Cancer Support Charity LARCC said they were "delighted and honoured" to have the support of the Irish Air Corps in this historic year for such an iconic element of the Irish Defence Forces.

Fifty members of the Irish Air Corps pose for a photo on their Mizen to Malin cycle with the 'Eire' sign in the background on Dublin's coastline.

"LARCC has a close link with the Irish Air Corps as one of our founders, Commandant Frank Russell, joined the Irish Air Corps in 1964 and retired in 2009.

"The funds raised from this charity cycle will be an immense help to us in continuing to provide a comprehensive support service to many cancer patients and their families, including children impacted by a cancer diagnosis.”

The 50 Air Corps personnel that took part included all ranks, and Commandant Stephen Byrne who led the group said:

“It is appropriate that one of our celebration activities for our 100th anniversary was to help a vital service for cancer patients. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to raise funds for Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC."

Members of the group cycled to LARCC from their headquarters in Baldonnel recently to present the €20,000 funds raised to LARCC.

Olga Aughey
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