Race Around Ireland team cycle for MDI
A gruelling 2,158km cycle race starts and ends in Trim. The famous Race Around Ireland, one of Europe’s most challenging road races is starting on 15th September and two Cork men will be riding the route in relay supported by a crew of nine. Colin O’Brien and Mick Gowen are undertaking the challenge for a charity close to their hearts under the banner of Over The Hill Cycling Club, Watergrasshill, Cork. The event will take the Cork men approximately four days to complete which they have been training intensely for since last year.
Colin O’Brien, taking part in Race Around Ireland, said “We are delighted and very appreciative to be in a position to take part in this well known and challenging event in aid of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, a very worthy cause. The money we hope to raise in sponsorship will be used to fund the respite support services MDI strives to provide to members living Cork”. Contributions can be made online at the following web address http://www.mycharity.ie/event/rai2013/
The respite service provides a break for both carers and members: it is short term care that helps a family avail of a break from the daily routine and
stress. MDI aims to provide short term respite for members when required in order to maintain physical and emotional well being.
Families affected by the condition muscular dystrophy need different supports and MDI provides services based on individual needs. It does this through the provision of varies services including: family support, youth support, emergency respite, youth activities and a National Resource Centre for Muscular Dystrophy & allied Muscular Conditions in Chapelizod Dublin. This centre supports all aspects of living with a neuromuscular condition from point of diagnosis, to the need for information through to direct support services that are required.
The centre incorporates a display area for aids and appliances and the use of specialized equipment eg hoist, slings, power chairs & profile beds etc. The centre also contains the Home from Home apartment a self-catering, wheelchair accessible three bed roomed apartment adapted to the highest specification to empower and promote independent living for people with physical & sensory disabilities. This apartment provides breaks for people with disabilities and their families. It is about ensuring that the disabled person is part of the community. It also provides the family with the opportunity to book the apartment as a whole family.
The money the two men hope to raise will be used towards the provision of the Respite Support Services the charity provides to 646 members. It is essential that those affected by muscular dystrophy, their carers and family members have adequate respite on a regular and frequent basis in order to support and maintain the physical and emotional health of all concerned. Respite is a means of giving carers a physical break from what is continuous and demanding work. Without this type of support, enormous strain both physical and emotional is experienced by carers. Weekend breaks, respite in the home, and youth and adult summer camps are offered to members and their families. Regular and secure funding for this respite service is essential, to enable members and families to have a good quality of living.