Alfie Lynn was a very active member of his community in Crossmolina, Co Mayo, until June of last year. He was on a cycling tour in Co Leitrim with his local club when a freak accident occurred.
His right-and brake lever broke free from the handlebars and became entangled in his front wheel. Alfie was catapulted over the bike and crashed to the ground.
Although he was wearing a helmet, his neck was broken in the fall. As a result, Alfie is paralysed from the neck down, except for some movement in his right arm.
The accident has had a devastating effect on Alfie and his family. Apart from loss of income, he will require specialist medical equipment, renovation to his home, transport, and day-care for the rest of his life.
His Co Mayo community has rallied to support him, however. A trust fund has been set up to handle contributions and money from fund-raising events such as a quiz night, a play, a buffet dance, a monster draw and a concert. A golf classic is planned for the summer, and there will be a sponsored cycle tour. In September, Dr Micky Loftus is running a mini-marathon, incorporating a children's fancy-dress competition. Sports and other memorabilia will be auctioned in the autumn.
The Minister of State for Health, with responsibility for Food Safety and Older People, Dr Tom Moffatt, has endorsed the initiative and has urged people in Crossmolina, Ballina and north Mayo to "dig deep" for the fund. He said it was an opportunity to demonstrate that community spirit was alive in Mayo.
The Alfie Lynn Trust Fund, Bank of Ireland, Crossmolina, Co Mayo, is account number 77436849, branch code 90-44077, and the secretary of the trust fund is Mr Walter Rouse, 21 Pearse St, Ballina, tel (096)22544.
Contact number
Lorna Siggins is on leave until May 9th, but readers who would like to leave a message can dial (01) 670-7711, extension 6299