Pedal of honour

A Cork cyclist who was rescued off a mountain last year is appealing to the public to get on their bikes and raise money for Ireland’s only charity funded air ambulance.

Barry Cunningham from Dromahane is one of three cyclists who were saved during separate incidents by the Cork-based Irish Community Air Ambulance last year.

The outdoor enthusiast was mountain biking on a forestry trail in North Cork in March of 2021 when he fell off his bike, breaking his wrist and several ribs.

“I was on my own at the top of this mountain, I couldn’t see houses, roads or anything. I was in a lot of pain and was finding it difficult to breathe.

“When I saw the helicopter approaching it was a fantastic feeling. There was a huge sense of relief when the chopper landed next to me and I knew that everything would be okay,” recalled Barry.

In recognition of its work, the Irish Community Air Ambulance has been chosen as one of the official beneficiaries for the 2022 Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle with a fundraising target of €100,000.

Barry continued: “This year will be my tenth year in a row participating in the Ring of Kerry. The distance can seem daunting but the atmosphere, plus a bit of training in advance, will carry you through.

“I hope that as many cyclists as possible will choose to participate on behalf of the Irish Community Air Ambulance this July. We are all vulnerable as cyclists but there is immense peace of mind knowing that the air ambulance is available if you find yourself in a serious situation like I did.”

Registration is open for the 175km event which tales place on 2 July, starting and ending in Killarney. Registration is limited to 8,000 participants and participating cyclists are invited to select one of six charities to represent on the cycle.

CEO of the Irish Community Air Ambulance, Micheál Sheridan said: “The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle is a huge fundraiser and we are honoured to have been chosen as one of the official beneficiaries.

“We have set an ambitious goal of raising €100,000 which would pay for our fuel for an entire year. However, we need cyclists to sign up and select the Irish Community Air Ambulance when they register. We would love to see companies, groups, cycling clubs and individuals getting involved and taking on the 175km route for us.

“You will be helping us to bring hope in emergency situations, we’re tasked to treat the most seriously ill and injured patients, often in rural locations.”

The Irish Community Air Ambulance was tasked to 512 missions in 14 counties during 2021, its busiest year since the service first launched in July 2019. The organisation, which relies entirely on fundraisers and donations, expects that it will cost €2.1 million to run the organisation in 2022.

The Irish Community Air Ambulance is Ireland’s only charity-funded Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) Air Ambulance. It works in partnership with the National Ambulance Service and responds to serious incidents and medical emergencies from its base in Rathcool in Cork.

Each helicopter mission costs an average of €3,500, all of which has to be raised or donated.