Rathmolyon woman took on Moylagh trek to remember dad and fundraise for cancer charity

A RATHMOLYON woman who took part in the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge in memory of her dad who passed away in 2021 says she "wants to give back" to a charity that supported her family in their time of need.

Sandra Boggan's dad, Paddy was diagnosed with mouth cancer in early 2020, sadly passing away the following year.

Last weekend, Sandra took on the mega challenge that saw walkers and runners try to complete the 50 mile challenge in 20 hours or less, covering spectacular scenic routes through Meath, Cavan and Westmeath in aid of The Irish Cancer Society, LARCC and Palliative Care.

Last year saw those who took part in the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge breach the €1million mark for money raised for charity since the local event’s inception 12 years ago.

This year the Rathmolyon native was determined to raise funds for the cause close to her heart. She tells of the camaraderie and community spirit that the Moylagh JFK walk brings.

"I did the challenge for the first time in 2019. I remember being blown away by the way the Moylagh community came together and had things organised on the day, I have never seen anything like it," she said.

"The day before the Moylagh challenge in 2021 my dad passed away with cancer so we said we'd leave it until later in the year to do it," said Sandra.

It was a bittersweet experience for the grieving daughter and her group of friends as she explains:

"The event itself was in the August I think and we ended up doing it in late September. Our friend Deirdre did it with us that year, she was 20 years cancer free and I know Dad has just passed away but it was a happy medium because although we had lost him, we were celebrating Deirdre beating cancer. It showed there are two sides of the coin with cancer."

Sandra says she hopes her dad will be with her on spirit on the day.

"Dad only got diagnosed in January 2020. It took a lot out of him, it's one of those things that people might recover from or might not recover from unfortunately it was the latter for him. It was a hard time for dad because he was going through so much but he always kept the best side out especially when the grandkids were over. Dad did everything he was meant to even if he wasn't up to it. He was a strong, funny and a man that always had a story to tell.

"What I really like about the event is that you know where the money is going. Last year funds raised went towards a new car to bring cancer patients to their appointments. When you see where the money is going, people are inclined to support you that bit more.

"Everyone knows someone who has passed or who has suffered with cancer so it's close to everyone's hearts."

Sandra describes her dad as a "character" who is "terribly missed," she added:

"He was a great character, he'd have everybody laughing. All through his treatment he would always have kept spirits up with the doctors and nurses. He was all about positivity.

"We all miss him terribly, especially if there are any occasions on or things with the kids like graduations, it is hard."