Return of Laois Road to Recovery cancer fundraising run

A Laois family is holding their second big annual road run fundraiser, in aid of a hospital that acted quickly to successfully treat a member for skin cancer.

Father and daughter Toney and Niamh Ryan from Pike of Rushall near Castletown, are holding their second annual Road to Recovery vehicle road run across Laois.

It takes place from Castletown this Sunday, February 26 leaving at 2pm.

Last year the fun event raised €2,770 for the Skin Cancer Unit in St James' Hospital, Dublin.

It is all in thanks for their expert care of Toney after he was diagnosed in 2021.

"Toney was looked after very well by the surgeons and his team, this is our way of thanking them for the amazing work they do and to give something back," she said.

Toney Ryan was attending an appointment to have his hearing aid checked, and he was advised to have a sore on his ear checked out by his doctor.

Toney thought that he had just accidently hurt the top of his ear and the scab just hadn't healed because his pandemic face mask was irritating it.

His doctor referred him to St James Hospital who confirmed it was skin cancer. They removed a piece of his ear and repaired it with a skin graft from his collarbone.

He fully recovered and with Niamh wants to again support the hospital's Skin Cancer Unit with another fun community event on Sunday, February 26. See the online donation link below story.

Niamh who is a member of Camross Macra gave the Leinster Express / Laois Live an update.

"After last years success we are delighted to be holding our 2nd annual Road to Recovery run again this year. Last year we had vans and jeeps from all over the midlands and beyond. This year we have added cars and Vintage cars to the run so everyone can get involved with our event.

"This years run will take place again in the grounds of Castletown Community Centre where everyone can register their vehicle. We will have refreshments for everyone before and after the run with registration open from 12.30 and the run leaving the Village at 2pm.

"There will be a raffle also on the day and those who register their vehicle will be entered into a draw to win a €100 voucher for Midland Tyres. We have some amazing prizes from €50 fuel vouchers to €50 meat vouchers and lots in between. Local businesses have been very good to us," she said.

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The run will go from Castletown, Derrin Cross, Ballacolla, Abbeyleix, Portlaoise and back to Castletown where everyone is welcome to gather and enjoy more refreshments and find out if they have won a raffle prize.

"A massive thank you to everyone who supported us last year and to those supporting us this year, It really means a lot to us. Everyone is welcome on the day to take part or come and look at the run," she said.

Donate online to justgiving.com/fundraising/roadtorecovery2023.