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Pilot to fly around coast for
cancer research
01.04.15
A PILOT whose daughter
is fighting brain cancer is to fly over 1,600km
around the coast of Ireland stopping in Co Donegal
to raise money for research into the disease.
Light-aircraft instructor Raphael O'Carroll said
cancer "invaded" his family when his daughter
Christine was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2013.
The 29-year old pharmacist has undergone surgery and
radiotherapy and continues to receive chemotherapy
in her battle against the illness.
"We have all painfully watched the pivotal people in
our lives, some crumbling before our very eyes,
others against all odds fighting tooth and nail to
desperately hang onto the grasps of life. Nobody
welcomes this devastating disease into their lives,"
said Mr O'Carroll. |
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Raphael and Christine O'Carroll
pictured beside Raphael's C42 light aircraft. |
The 62 year old owns
and runs Kernan Aviation in Tandragee, Co Armagh,
from where he has trained some 70 amateur
light-aircraft pilots from all over Ireland.
He has organised a 'Flight of Hope' in aid of the
Irish Cancer Society; Marie Curie Cancer Care and
the Brain Tumour Charity.
The four-day challenge will take off on April 3 when
eight aircraft from Kernan Valley Flying Club fly
clockwise around the Irish coast.
The aviators will stop off at 13 airfields including
Carrickbrack, Co Donegal. They will clock up more
than 18 hours of flying time and will have three
overnights stays en route.
Manchester-based Christine hopes to fly with her
father in his C42 light aircraft for part of the
journey, her health permitting. More information
www.justgiving.com/teams/KVFC . |
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