Bikers lead radiotherapy drive from the front
By Jill O’Donoghue

WATERFORD’S quest to ensure that the Regional Hospital gets its own Intra-Operative Radiotherapy device got an unexpected lift last week as a donation of over €5,000 came from the unlikeliest of places.

The burley bikers of the famous Waterford Freewheelers M.C shed their hardened image last week as they opened their hearts and their wallets in a fundraising night held in The Showboat Bar.

Guests on the night were treated to an evening packed full of fun and entertainment as they enjoyed three separate musical acts, The Jam Tarts, Paul Hennessey and Mickey’s Boys, all of whom graciously donated their services free of charge.

Freewheelers Secretary, Derek Burns spoke to the Waterford News and Star about what inspired this generous donation.

“The Freewheelers do a charity gig every year and this year the radiotherapy unit was extremely close to our hearts. All we are trying to do is to encourage more people to pilot fundraisers such as this.”

President of the Freewheelers, Lenny Burns added: “Of course, the Radiotherapy unit is a huge issue for all the people of the South East at the moment and our main base is in Waterford so we felt we had to do something.”

He continued: “ People tend to believe what they see on television regarding bikers and bike gangs, so a lot of the time the things we do that are good for the community go unnoticed.”

All members agreed that the night went off without a hitch and the final money count came in at €5,817.91. A cheque was then presented to Mr. Gordon Watson, Consultant Surgeon and Regional Director Of Cancer Services for the South Eastern Health Board.

Mr Watson commended the Freewheelers saying: “ I think the lads did an absolutely terrific job. I was thrilled when they approached me and said that they would like to do this fundraiser.

I also feel that the Freewheelers should be complemented as they have shown how much they care about the people of Waterford.”

The members of the Freewheelers feel that if Waterford really puts the effort into fundraising then getting an Intra-Operative Radiotherapy Device for the South East is achievable.

Tom Huerton, Vice-President of the Freewheelers added: “We were hoping to raise €3,000 to €4,000 on the night itself. When the figure came in at nearly €6,000 we were gob smacked and absolutely delighted.”

Derek Burns, Chairman, concluded with a call for other local businesses to help out with fundraising efforts. He said: “If every pub or club in Waterford did a fundraiser such as this then we would have €1 million in no time at all for the unit. I really believe that.”