Gearing up for the Nifty 50 run in Nobber
Honda 50 enthusiasts from around the region will descend on Nobber this weekend for the Nifty 50 run to raise funds for Nobber Cancer Support Group.
The 100km run will start from Keogan's in Nobber at 12 noon with the route continuing to Moynalty, Kells, Bohermeen, Dunderry, Robinstown, Bective, Hill of Tara, Kentstown, Hayestown, Slane, Castletown and back to Nobber.
As well as Honda 50s, 70s and 90s, all types of bikes and vintage cars are welcome to join in and registration, which takes place from 10am, is €20.
The event has been organised by Thomas and Maggie Heffernan who are Honda 50 enthusiasts and travel around Ireland to take part in runs.
Their daughter-in-law Róisín Heffernan was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer last October. Róisín (34) is mother to two young children and had a double mastectomy, followed with radiation.
The support of Nobber Cancer Support Group was invaluable to Róisín in providing transport to and from her radiation appointments and the family wanted to do something to give back.
Róisín is well known to many having worked in Doughty's Mace shop in Wilkinstown for the past 16 years where she is one of the managers.
She told how her son Louis was just five months old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33, while her daughter Willow was just 21 months.
"In October 2021 I was diagnosed Nuclear Grade3 DCIS, which is an early form of breast cancer. I had a double mastectomy in November and after meeting with my oncologist I was told I needed 15 rounds of radiation treatment.
"I started this in February this year and with one quick call the Nobber Cancer Support Group organised my transport to and from the Beacon Hospital for all my radiation sessions. It’s such an amazing service to have locally and I cannot thank them enough for all their help when needed most," said Róisín.
"I was lucky, they got it early. I was a millimetre away from needing chemotherapy. My husband Alan took five weeks off work after my surgery.
“ We had two small kids and I wasn't able to manage. Then the radiation was every day for three weeks.
“A taxi pulled up at my door every day and waited for me to have the treatment and brought me back home. It meant Alan could go to work and my mam minded the kids. It is an unbelievable service."
Róisín is thankfully out the other side of her treatment now and is back to work. She is very grateful to Thomas and Maggie for organising the run and is encouraging people to come out and show their support for this invaluable local organisation.
“She has also thanked Doughty's Service Station and Quad Factors for their sponsorship of the event.