Amputee battles pain to raise money for orphans

Dubliner Cathal Lyons, who lost half his foot and his shoulder in a motorcycle collision, has undertaken a gruelling and painful climb up one of the country’s highest peaks to raise funds for Russian orphans.

The Stillorgan man suffered the debilitating injuries in a head-on motorcycle collision in Moscow six years ago.

On Saturday July 7, a painful climb up Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo left him exhausted but exhilarated as he managed to raise

?¬4,000 for the To Russia With Love charity, which helps orphans across the Russian Federation.

Although his accident left him in constant pain and with many challenges in coping with everyday life, the former business executive left no stone unturned in his bid to conquer the 764-metre high peak. The arduous climb contributed to the worthy charity, founded by Debbie Deegan, who also participated in the climb.

Cathal believes very much in mind over matter and he pushed the thoughts of any pain away as he made his way to the top.

“It was really a tough climb and I have to say it was a big challenge for me with a prosthetic foot and half a shoulder,

? said Cathal, who was only home for two weeks from Moscow where he lives with his wife and daughter.

“However, every step of the way I thought about the orphans who might benefit from me doing this and it kept me going.

“While living in Moscow I became very involved with To Russia With Love. Debbie Deegan and her team are simply amazing people and the work that they do for the orphaned children in Russia is phenomenal.

“These poor children have less than nothing. I had a lot of support from family and friends. Every painful step was worth it if the money I raise makes the life of these orphaned children a little easier.

?

Cathal was hit by a car travelling along the wrong side of a motorway six years ago while on his motorbike. He has had six operations to date and is due a seventh in the foreseeable future.

He lives with continuous discomfort and has had to quit his career as he could not manage the pain while at work.

He now spends his days helping To Russia With Love and minding his little three-year-old girl Megan.

If you would like to make a donation to To Russia With Love log on to www.mycharity.ie/event/afootandahalf. For further information see www.torussiawithlove.ie