A group of cyclists will saddle up this weekend to raise funds for a Castleknock toddler who is battling cancer.
Little Tessa Garry was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer of the central nervous system, in December 2018 at just 14 months old.
She started chemotherapy in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, in January and faces a long battle with a high risk of relapse according to her family.
This Friday, May 17, a group of 21 cyclists from the Blanch Wheelies will whizz through the four provinces of Ireland to raise money towards the €375,000 needed for Tessa to take part in a clinical trial in America.
Her parents, Orla and Mark, revealed: “Tessa developed a slight bulge in her left eye last December, and when it didn’t go away we took her to the emergency department in Temple Street.
“We expected to be sent home with an antibiotic, but instead our world was turned upside down when we were told of Tessa’s diagnosis. Tessa has received fantastic care and doctors are pleased with her response to treatment.
“However, this is just the beginning of her treatment and with neuroblastoma the huge risk to her life remains.”
Tessa’s uncle, Alan Waters, is a member of the Wheelies club. They will embark on their 375km cycle at 5am on Friday and finish in the Straw Hill pub in the Strawberry Beds before last orders for a well-earned drink.
Orla and Mark said: “Tessa is a wonderful, happy little girl, and despite what she has been through she continues to maintain her sunny disposition.”
In addition to the charity cycle, 200 friends of the family will run the women’s mini marathon for the Tessa trust in June.
For more information or to donate, see the GoFundMe page here.
