Charity bike run to honour the memory of Pat Toner

Hannah McNamara

A Kildalkey woman is organising a charity bike run in memory of her late husband who died while on holiday last year and to raise funds for the organisation who helped repatriate his remains.

Lorraine Toner and children Lauren and Ethan are inviting everyone to join them on Sunday, 27th August to honour Pat as well as raise funds for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

Pat Toner sadly passed away suddenly last October on the day he was due to fly home from his holiday in Spain with friends.

Whilst experiencing bereavement, Pat's family were confused and anxious about getting his body returned to Ireland. His wife Lorraine said:

"Losing a loved one is the hardest thing anyone has to face but when it happens abroad and in sudden circumstances, there are no words to describe the trauma, anxiety, and fear you experience."

Lorraine learnt about the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust organisation who alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating the body of a loved one who has died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland. They offered so much support and empathy which relieved a lot of the pressure the family were feeling:

"Before Pat passed away, we had never heard of the Trust, and if we had to face dealing with the legalities and all involved in the repatriation process, we honestly couldn’t have done it.

"The kindness, support and compassion that we received from The Kevin Bell Trust during those two long, traumatic weeks, waiting to bring Pat home, were second to none. The debt of gratitude that we owe these kind people is one we can never repay."

The run will leave from Kildalkey village roughly after 12pm heading out the Trim road and into Ballivor passing Pat's home place. It will carry on into Raharney, on into Killucan and on to the Mullingar N4 taking the road for Castlepollard, on to Oldcastle Virginia then to the N3 to Carnaross, Kells back to Delvin taking N51 for Athboy to the Bawn Inn for a BBQ, music and Raffle.

Bikers taking part in the run can sign in from 11am on the day.

Donations can be made via the gofundme page here and there will also be donation buckets available on the day.

Any bikers who wish to take part in the motorcycle run can contact Stephen Walsh (086) 3278624 or Sam Kelly (086) 2688619.

Lorraine shared some words for those who didn't have the pleasure in meeting Pat:

"Pat was my husband, best friend, and dad to our two beautiful children Lauren and Ethan. A long time together, I was blessed to share my life with Pat for 25 years.

"He was an authentic man, genuine honest and real. He was so comfortable in his own skin, never needing to put on a front for others. He knew who he was and didn’t hide it.

"He was kind and humble, always ready to lend a helping hand to those who needed it.

"Pat had a passion for travelling visiting many different countries across the globe before we met and sharing this love of travel with me and the kids over the last few years, Lauren now following in his footsteps.

"He was modest down to earth and lived a simple life. He loved the outdoors and from an early age enjoyed fishing every summer, spending hours at the river enjoying the peace and quiet and being at one with nature.

"Motorcycling was one of his favourite hobbies, one he had taken up again just a year before he passed away, spending many an evening and Sunday out on his travels with a great bunch of friends whom he loved.

"He was a popular man who had many good friends where he worked at Davis Civil and also in the community. He loved a pint and a bit of craic with anyone who crossed his path.

"He was the best dad and taught the kids so many valuable qualities by just how he lived. He was our rock he gave us hope and courage and showed us that there is always a way.

"An intelligent man who always said 'you’ve just one life so live it' and that he did.

"Proud happy memories are what we will always have."