The costs that arise for the medical care of cyclist Mike Curran are very large. But hundreds of people have now reached out to help.
Generous response for Irish cyclist injured in France
In excess of €50,000 has been raised for an Irish cyclist who crashed in France last month. Mike Curran was nearing the end of a world tour when he was hit by a car.
He had been cycling home to Ireland from China with partner Sara O'Shea at the time, after two years traveling around the world.
Sarah was also injured in the crash, though less seriously than Mike, who remains in grave condition.
The Kerryman has suffered a brain injury and remains in hospital in Reims. He now needs to be transferred to the UK for more treatment.
His family and friends have established a GoFundMe page to raise funds to cover the “immense” costs of his treatment.
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That page went live yesterday, with a sum of €50,000 sought. And on the first day that amount was reached and exceeded, with more than 800 people donating.
"A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who has so generously donated so far," an updated message on the page said last night.
"Your kindness is astounding and a testament to the wonderful people in Mike's life. We have only just started on this journey together. Thank you for joining us."
At the time of writing some €57,000 had been raised. The funding drive continues.
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Mike Curran and Sara O'Shea were enjoying the trip of a lifetime until their happiness was shattered.
The couple had planned to complete their cycling journey across France before going to England and back to Ireland.
They gave up their jobs in Ireland and set off in August, 2016, to travel. They journeyed up through Africa, from Cape Town to Cairo.
They then travelled towards India, Nepal, Central Asia and the Middle East. The initial plan was to be away from home for a year.
However, as they were enjoying their adventure so much they decided to prolong it. They did so by deciding they would take to their bikes and cycle home from China.
They had almost made it home, having ridden about 14,000km, when disaster struck.
“Mike Curran was hit by a car in France and has suffered a traumatic brain injury,” the funding page explains.
“He is in hospital in France and needs to be moved to a rehab facility in the UK. The costs are immense.
“At the tail end of a trip of a lifetime Mike Curran, from Waterville, and girlfriend Sara O'Shea were just weeks away from returning home when tragedy struck.
“After cycling thousands of miles from their start in China, crossing multiple countries before reaching France; Mike and Sara had faced many perils together.
“They cycled across rough terrain in all weather, fixing punctures in the middle of nowhere and braving the frigid weather on mountainsides.
“On their way to Paris they faced the worst peril of all, ordinary street traffic. Between Reims and Paris, making their way on the bikes that had carried them so far, the worst happened.
“Mike was hit by a car sustaining a traumatic brain injury. He was thrown metres high landing on his head.
“As a result of the accident he has suffered five haemorrhages to the brain, bleeding in the lungs, two fractured ribs, a broken nose and broken cheek bone.
“Mike now needs urgent rehabilitative care. It is the only way to get him fully back to himself. Help us get Mike's future back for him.”
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