Aoibhínn Sharkey may be just 13-years-old and coming to terms with the tragic loss of her brother, Seán, but the Co Louth school girl is cycling in his honour and raising money to create a legacy in his name.
Seán very sadly passed away last month after developing sepsis, with his loss felt by many in the cycling community as he and his family, including parents Fiona and Peter, are well known on the home scene.
Peter rides with Stamullen Road Club and Aoibhínn is also racing and has enjoyed several wins on the youth scene.
The Sharkeys featured on stickybottle only a few months
ago when their caravan was stolen and several cycling clubs in Leinster
appealed for its return as it was especially important to Seán.
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Seán had Down’s syndrome and autism as well as being
non-verbal and blind in one eye. He had taken a real shine to the caravan and
its loss was a big blow to the family, though it was eventually found and
returned to them.
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Very sadly, just over two weeks ago, Seán fell ill, initially with a kidney infection. However, he developed sepsis and passed away in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, on January 23rd.
While the Sharkeys, and their many friends in cycling,
are heartbroken, Aoibhínn has decided to cycle 200km in the month of February
to raise funds for the Maria Goretti Centre in Lordship, Co Louth.
It is a respite centre where Seán was very happy and well looked after. And now Aoibhínn wants to raise money to help fund an extension at the centre so more children can be helped.
She set herself a target to raise €1,000 but she’s absolutely smashed it so far, with over €7,000 raised at the time of writing.
The good news is that the fundraiser is still open as Aoibhínn will be cycling for the rest of the month. And if you want to give some money to this fantastic cause, and help a brilliant sister pay tribute to her brother, you can do so by following this link.
- We’d like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Sharkeys at such a sad and difficult time.
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