Portlaoise hospital charity thrilled with Laois family charity fundraiser

The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital say they are thrilled with a generous donation from the Laois Road to Recovery team following this year’s highly successful vehicle road run.

The Road to Recovery Road Run, which has become a key event that helps Laois charities, came about as a result of the hard work of the Ryan family, the participants, sponsors, and volunteers all contributing to the cause.

The 2025 edition took place in February with vans, jeeps, 4x4s, vintage cars, and trucks travelling in convoy, from Castletown Community Centre, through Mountrath, to the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and back to Castletown Community Centre.

The big event saw €6,823.50 raised for this year's chosen charity and the money will now be used to further enhance patients' comforts at the Laois hospital. The Friends have been active since 1991 to with the mission helping the staff support patients.

“We are so grateful to Toney, his fantastic family and all who contributed to the Road Run," said Áine Reams treasurer of the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

She continued: "This generous contribution will play a crucial role in helping us continue to enhance patient comforts at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, whether it's purchasing medical equipment or items that will make patients stay in hospital a small bit more comfortable.

"What makes this donation particularly special is the overwhelming support from the local community. It’s heartwarming to see so many people come together, and we couldn’t do this work without your support," she said. 

Toney Ryan from the Road to Recovery Road Run, also expressed his pride in being able to support the hospital. READ WHAT TONY HAD TO SAY BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured l-r: Aaron Ryan, Toney Ryan, Emma Demsey (chairperson), Niamh Ryan and Margaret Ryan.

"This run is more than just an event for me. Having spent time in the hospital, I know firsthand the importance of having a well-supported facility. The funds raised through the Road to Recovery Road Run are not just going towards a good cause, they’re going towards helping patients like me, and like so many others.

IN PICTURES: Road to Recovery 2025 caught on camera by Alf Harvey for the Leinster Express / Laois Live

"The support we’ve received from participants, sponsors, and volunteers has been truly humbling. It’s incredible to see the community come together to support the hospital. I can’t thank everyone enough for their generosity and dedication. Being able to present this donation to the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital is a real honour.

"I look forward to seeing the Road to Recovery Road Run grow even bigger in the coming years, and I hope that it continues to make a real difference for the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and its patients," he said.

The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital rely heavily on donations and fundraising events like the Road to Recovery Road Run to continue their work.

For more information on how you can support the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital, or to learn about future fundraising opportunities, you can check their website or find out more on Facebook Friends of Portlaoise Hospital.