Fundraising drive from the Limerick border, across the Irish Sea

LIMERICK native Maurice (Mossie) Sheehan drove to the Isle of Man on his 1976 motorbike to raise money for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation.

Mossie, aged 67 years old, journeyed from his home of Milford, near the Limerick-Cork border, across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man, and back, on his bike.

He completed the trip on his 1976 Honda vintage motorbike, which he purchased 15 years ago, and restored himself in 2017.

Travelling in June, his goal was to give back to the Mercy University Hospital Foundation for the wonderful treatment he received at the Mercy University Hospital Cork, following a diagnosis of kidney cancer in early 2022. 

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Concerned by symptoms he had developed in late 2021 and early 2022, including rapid weight loss, he visited his GP, who referred him to Mallow General Hospital.

There, a series of CT scans showed indications of cancer in his kidney.

Rapidly transferred to the Mercy Hospital, he was then told by his surgeon, Mr Paul Sweeney, that 99% of his right kidney was affected and would need to be removed. 

A few days later, Mossie was admitted for surgery. The cancer was successfully removed and he was able to go home after a week in hospital. He has been cancer free since. 

He was “so impressed” by the care he received and “the efficiency of it all”, that he decided to raise awareness and funds for people who find themselves in a similar situation.

Fundraising for the foundation was a family affair, with his son Barry, son in law Damien, and son in law's father Nelius accompanying him on the journey.

His daughter Ciara also raised money for the cause by running a fun day at the creche she works at, which raised over €1,500.

Mossie credited Ciara for helping him to organise the fundraiser, saying she was “the brains behind it”.

He also thanked his family for “putting up with him”, as well as everyone that supported him and donated. 

So far €6,700 has been raised for the cause, with donations still being taken on his iDonate page.