Charity motorcycle run to take place in County Wexford

The Gurriers MCC, a motorbike club founded in late 2024, is inviting bikers and supporters from all parts of the county and beyond to join them for a Charity Motorcycle Run on Sunday, 13th July….

The event will raise funds for the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) and promote awareness of organ donation. This ride is inspired by the health journey of the mother of one of Gurriers bikers Jason Cullen. Pauline White, from Tottenham Green in Taghmon, has faced numerous medical challenges, and for three years has been undergoing dialysis treatment while hoping for a kidney transplant.

In 2010, 29 weeks into her fifth pregnancy Pauline lost her baby boy due to a rare pregnancy disorder called Mirror Syndrome. This led to the discovery that the mother of four young children had only one kidney, and that it was functioning at just 25% capacity and would require ongoing medical monitoring and treatment to try to postpone its decline. Since then, she has faced breast cancer, undergone chemotherapy and radiation, and chronic kidney disease.

In 2022, Pauline began home dialysis treatment through the night, which has kept her alive but at a significant cost to her quality of life. Her eldest son Jason, 34, who lives in Enniscorthy, along with fellow Gurriers MCC bikers, felt compelled to take action with the Club’s first major fundraiser and help highlight her plight and other kidney patients in similar situations.

Pauline’s inspiring strength and resilience have led to the creation of this Charity Motorcycle Run, which will see her take a prominent role as a passenger on a trike, driven by her devoted husband John White who ignited Jason’s passion for motorbikes. The trike will lead the procession, followed by a convoy of motorbikes, all rallying together in support of a great cause and powerful display of love, unity, and community support.

The Charity Motorcycle Run in aid of the IKA on Sunday, 13th July, will kick off at Taghmon Camross GAA Club, with registration beginning at 11.00 AM for a fee of €20 per bike which includes automatic entry to a prize raffle. Riders will set off at 12.00 PM, embarking on a scenic tour of Wexford, passing through New Ross, Clonroche, Enniscorthy, Wexford town, before returning to the starting point for a post-ride celebration at 2.00 PM for riders and supporters including commentator DJ Paddy O’Hanlon.

The event which is open to all to attend promises to showcase a stunning array of motorcycles, including Harley Davidsons and custom bikes. After the ride, participants and supporters are invited to enjoy refreshments at Taghmon GAA Club and buy a raffle ticket for some great prizes. Members of the Wexford IKA branch will be there to support the event also.

Speaking to Wexford Weekly, Jason shared:

“My mother has shown great strength to all of our family including her husband John, their youngest son Jack and daughters Lisa and Gemma. She is also loved by her four grandchildren, Lola and Kaiden Cullen, and Ella and Gracie Mai White. We are hugely proud of her. She undergoes dialysis through the night and then goes to work as a carer every day. She often suffers with sickness and severe fatigue due to her condition. She has low immunity to infection and has lots of dietary and fluid restrictions.”

“Her freedom to travel is also restricted and requires lots of planning. For holidays or overnight away stays she has to bring her dialysis machine and medical supplies with her. Several members of our family have been screened for kidney donation but are not suitable. However, we’ve just received the good news that one of her sisters, who was the most recent to be tested, is a suitable donor. We are hoping to receive notice from Beaumont Hospital soon that the living donor transplant operations will proceed. A kidney transplant would greatly improve my mother’s quality of life.”

“We’re doing this Charity Motorcycle Run on 13th July to help others like my mother.” said Jason Cullen. “It is fitting that my mother will lead out the Motorcycle Run around Wexford as a passenger on the Trike that my stepfather John White will ride, followed by a covoy of motorbikes. John ignited my passion for motorbikes more than ten years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. We’d love as many riders as possible to join us and our fellow Gurriers to show support. It’s going to be a great day, and we’re excited to see people from all parts of Wexford, and beyond, coming together to have fun while supporting an important cause.”

In summing up Jason told Wexford Weekly that:

“This event is more than just a motorcycle spectacle, it’s an opportunity to support the Irish Kidney Association, provide vital services to kidney patients and their families and raise awareness for organ donation. Whether you’re a local rider or joining from further away, the Gurriers MCC welcomes all bikers to experience the beauty of the ‘Model County’, all while making a difference in the lives of people like my mother Pauline. The event on Sunday 13th July marks the first major fundraiser by the Gurriers MCC.”

The event marks the beginning of the Gurriers MCC’s commitment to giving back to the community. The club welcomes new members who share their passion for motorcycles, adventure, camaraderie and the open road while having a positive impact in the community. To learn more about the Gurriers MCC and how you can get involved, visit their website www.thegurriersmcc.ie or email thegurriersmcc@gmail.com

Those who can’t come along to ride or attend as a supporter on 13th July can donate to the iDonate online fundraising link www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/IKACharityMotorcycleRun

One hundred percent of the funds raised will go to the Irish Kidney Association (excluding iDonate online platform fees).

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