Wild Myeloma Way Cycle 2023 takes place in Leitrim

Multiple Myeloma Ireland ‘Wild Myeloma Way Cycle’ is taking place this Friday and Saturday, September 15-16, going from Sligo University Hospital travelling through Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. 

Geraldine Walpole, Chairperson of Multiple Myeloma Ireland, told the Leitrim Observer that as this month is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, the annual cycle aims to bring awareness of Multiple Myeloma, the second most common form of blood cancer, with 384 patients diagnosed in Ireland each year, according to the National Cancer Register.

"The cycle will depart from Sligo University Hospital on Friday at 9 am, travel along the coast to Donegal town on Day 1 and Day 2, we will return to Sligo via Manorhamilton. This is a fundraising and awareness campaign for Multiple Myeloma (MM)", says Geraldine.

Geraldine is from Mohill and is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Haematology at Sligo University Hospital. 

"We sadly lost our brother Cormac Rowley to Multiple Myeloma in 2017, so it's a charity very close to my heart. Our cousin Mike Rowley, who is the son of the great Leitrim footballer Eddie Rowley (RIP), has travelled from New York, where he lives, to do the cycle in memory of Cormac", she said.

Pictured is Mike Rowley at JFK airport with his bike. 

Multiple Myeloma Ireland is the only charitable organisation in Ireland focused exclusively on supporting patients with a Myeloma diagnosis, family and carers. 

‘Wild Myeloma Way Cycle’ event aims to raise awareness regarding Multiple Myeloma, as many people diagnosed with it have never heard of it.

Myeloma is a type of bone marrow cancer often affecting several areas of the body, such as the spine, pelvis, ribs and skull. 

‘Wild Myeloma Way Cycle’ expects 70 participants in this year's event and it is sponsored by Amagen, AbbVie, Gilead, GSK, Janssen and Takeda. 

For more information, access the Multiple Myeloma Ireland website: https://www.multiplemyelomaireland.org/.