1 July 2020
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
This week, Barry Sheehan from Cork will run from Malin Head to Mizen Head to raise money for Cappagh Hospital Foundation, a registered charity dedicated to raising funds for the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC).
Over the course of seven days, Barry will run over 600km to raise money to support ‘Cappagh Kids’, the Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics at NOHC. To date, over €45,000 has been raised.
Malin to Mizen most commonly refers to a journey from Malin Head (Ireland’s most northerly point in County Donegal) to Mizen Head in County Cork (Ireland’s most southerly point,). The journey is most often attempted by cyclists and walkers as a challenge route with the goal of raising money for charities. As the crow flies, the two points are 466 km (290 mi) apart. The shortest road distance from Malin to Mizen is approximately 612 km (380 mi).
Commenting on the fundraising challenge, Barry Sheehan said:
“In 2017, my son Michael was diagnosed with Osteofibrous Dysplasia in his left tibia and so began our journey with the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh. Overtime, without intervention Michael’s shin would break easily and was likely to deform. Surgery was the only option, if any, of fixing the bone. Over the past four years Michael has had countless surgeries and related treatments.”
Funds raised will support the purchase of equipment for ‘Cappagh Kids’ the new Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics at National Orthopaedic Hospital including but not limited to: exam tables for the clinic rooms; equipment for the physio room; digital x-ray machine for theatre; and therapy garden equipment.
Commenting on Barry’s run Mr Connor Green, Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh said:
“Cappagh Kids is more than a building, it is a community of staff, patients, their families, and supporters. The Sheehan’s are part of this community. The money raised from Barry’s run will assist the hospital to create a state-of-the-art fun and magical experience for the children who visit here. We want our Cappagh Kids to look forward to their next visit and that is why we are creating a child centred wonderland, unrecognisable as a clinical environment.”
Barry added:
“Michaels treatment and rehabilitation has taken place under the exceptional expertise and care of Mr Connor Green and his team. The National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh, is primarily an adult hospital, but with many children travelling from all over Ireland to avail of the unique orthopaedic specialist skills and equipment. I have seen first-hand how crucial child friendly facilities are. Michaels journey, the team who have treated him and the many people we have met at NOHC along the way have inspired me to undertake this run in an effort to raise these much-needed funds.”
Children who attend the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh receive treatment for scoliosis, limb reconstruction, perthes, and tumours among other orthopaedic conditions.
To support Barry’s Run and raise money for ‘Cappagh Kids’ visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/runmalin2mizen-for-cappagh-kids
To follow Barry’s journey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Barrys600in6
About Cappagh Hospital Foundation
Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital Research and Development Foundation trading as Cappagh Hospital Foundation is the a, Ireland’s major centre for elective Orthopaedic surgery.
Cappagh Hospital Foundation raises funds for the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh’s development, research, education, teaching, training and the provision of strategic patient support programmes.
