A GoFundMe fundraiser for an Irish club cyclist paralysed in a group ride two years ago has reached its target of €48,000. The money raised will now be used for a wheelchair accessible car to ensure Martin Lacey is more mobile despite his life-changing injuries.
"We are delighted to announce we have now reached our target and we couldn't have done it without you," Martin's daughter Aisling said in an update to the 500 people who donated to the fund. "We are overwhelmed by everyone's generosity, thank you."
Martin is one of the founding members of Tralee BC and father of former to road race cyclist Seán. Martin organised the Lacey Cup season opener every year in Co Kerry.
He was involved in a crash on a group ride two years ago, the week before the 2023 edition of the race was due to to be held. Tragically, Martin suffered very serious injuries and was left paralysed from the neck down.
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His family – and his many friends across the Irish cycling community – have been fundraising in recent months to buy a vehicle that can help with his mobility. A not insignificant sum was needed, some €48,000, but has now been raised, which is fantastic news.
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As well as Martin helping found Tralee BC, and organising races with his brothers, his son Seán was a former international who won most of the big races in the country and the Classic League, now National Road Series.
Martin’s daughter, Aisling, explained on the GoFundMe page that her dad retired a couple of years before the crash and was taking car of her mother, who has suffered from MS for 30 years.
“They were both thoroughly enjoying this chapter of their lives,” she said. “They both loved being active, whether it was cycling, going for a walk downtown and popping in for a cup of coffee. They just loved spending time together.
“Unfortunately, since dad’s accident the future is now looking very different. Dad who was always such an independent man is now dependent on everyone for everything. He is unable to go out and about or attend a lot of activities and events with his family."
And now with the money raised, the car can be purchased and Martin will be able to get out and about a lot more.
