Rugby Stars Raise Money For Cancer Research at Trinity
Posted on: 15 April 2016
The Uniphar CROSS Atlantic Cycle 2016, a charity cycle which raises funds for cancer research at Trinity, has just been launched.
Now in its fifth year the event, which takes place from September 4-8, will be led by former Ireland International and Lions rugby player Paul Wallace along with his fellow rugby legends.
In addition, Tomas Castaignède (former France player) and Mike Tindall (former England player), will saddle up for the cycle along the Wild Atlantic Way from Dingle to Westport.
CROSS is an acronym for Cancer Research of the Oesophagus and Stomach at St James’s Hospital and the charity is a focal point for cancer research that is led by one of the college’s principal cancer researchers, Professor John Reynolds.
At the launch Paul Wallace, CROSS Patron, commented: “The CROSS Atlantic Cycle is a wonderful chance to be part of a team that works and plays hard to support the cutting-edge cancer research being done by Prof John Reynolds and numerous researchers in Trinity. We thank Uniphar for coming on board as title sponsor this year and for their enthusiasm and support in raising funds for cancer research.
“The welcome the tour gets at every town and village we go through is amazing and the support of businesses along the route ensures that even more funds are raised for cancer research. There’s lots of time left for training so register now to secure your place on our team.”
Ger Rabbette from Uniphar added: “Uniphar is delighted to be title sponsor of the CROSS Atlantic Cycle this year. Our goal is to raise €100,000 for CROSS. The work and research that goes on at the Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI) is so important to the development of new treatments for a range of cancers.”
Over 200 cyclists will participate in the five-stage event this year. In previous years rugby legends such as Zinzan Brooke, John Smit, David Campese, Doug Howlett, Anton Oliver, Phil Kearns, Serge Betsen, Rob wainwright and Colin Charvis have joined Irish rugby legends including brothers Paul, David and Richard Wallace, Mick Galwey, Mal O’Kelly, Eric Elwood and Paddy Johns.
The first stage this year, around the Dingle Peninsula, and just 60kms, has a very special and poignant significance. It will be called ‘Janey’s Jaunt’ in honour of Jane O’Hare, who sadly died from cancer last December.
Jane touched the lives of so many people, including her many special friends connected with CROSS. She was an expert on the natural world, with a passion in particular for seabirds. This stunning Stage One route will fittingly take in a conservation area rich in seabirds. Her husband Brendan, and sons Benjamin and Michael, will participate in the cycle this year.
See www.crossatlanticcycle.com for more information about the event.