Hi Guys,
Sorry about being silent since the end of the 7in7. To be honest I was all journaled out and thought that may be the case for my readers. I had intended to remain silent until the New Year, but when a story like the one below needs to be told I would never forgive myself if I did not pass it on to you wonderful people.
The words below were written by my mate Rowan Foster, who has been by my side since the very first Smiddy ride back in 2006. We both have a wonderful friendship with the Hegarty Brothers that he writes about below. We are both devastated with what has happened to them and are doing everything we can to help them. I am hoping that you may feel the same way after reading this.
Rowan's Words
I want to tell you about Smiddy riders Marty and Tony Hegarty. These brothers are quintessential Smiddy riders; always the first to put a hand on the back of a fellow rider in need and offering encouragement beyond words. Between them they have ridden five Smiddy challenge events, raising over $25,000 for cancer research. Now they need our support.
I'm hoping the wider Smiddy 'family' can rally around Marty and Tony as their family faces one of its biggest challenges.
Marty's young son, Declan 'Duck' has been diagnosed with an incurable spinal tumour at just nine years of age. It is an extremely aggressive cancer and Declan is now a paraplegic after surgery to remove the tumour from his spinal cord. He is fighting hard through chemo and radium.
To support Declan and raise funds to fight cancer Marty and Tony will ride non-stop around Mt Cootha for 24 hours from 10am on Saturday 24 November.
· Pledge a donation to projectdeclan2012@gmail.com or donate at www.everydayhero.com.au/project_declan
· Cycle a lap or two with Marty and Tony between 10am Saturday 24 November and 10am Sunday 25 November.
Marty and Tony have set a massive cycling challenge to support Declan and raise funds for a number of leading cancer charities including Mater Medical Research Institute.
I know Marty and Tony would be grateful for any support you could give and it would be wonderful if you could get behind their effort.
The supporter's base for the 24 hour ride will be located at Hoop Pine Picnic Area, Sir Samuel Griffith Dr (opposite the old Freer Chips factory). Please drop in there and collect your Project Declan wristband prior to joining Marty and Tony on a lap of the mountain.
You can find out more about Project Declan at www.facebook.com/ProjectDeclan
Regards,
Rowan
P.S. The brothers are aiming to cycle 25 laps of Mt Cootha. Will you consider pledging a dollar amount per lap to help them reach their goal?
Thanks guys for reading this far. I will be sure to let you know how the event unfolds in a wrap up next week. Feel free to give me a call if you need any more information on the ride this weekend. 0421 887 388 Even if you turned up for an hour or 30 minutes, it really doesn't matter. Just having your presence there will be enough to boost the boys spirits. Maybe you may even make some home baked goodies to keep them going.
Anyway I hope this finds you all in good shape and I thank you for any help you may be able to offer the lads.
Cheers.
Sharky.
