Despite the challenges that come with a lifelong and progressive condition, Galway woman Caroline Heffernan (56) is preparing to take on her ninth and final Malin2Mizen Cycle4CF challenge this September, completing the four-day challenge on a tandem bicycle with the help of her dedicated cycling partner, Joe O’Connor from Sligo.
The challenge takes place from the 10th to the 13th September with 37 cyclists travelling 640km from Malin Head and to Malin Head to Mizen head, to raise funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI).
The first cycle was set up in memory of Triona Priestley, who passed away in 2014 from CF when she was just 15 years old. Since the inaugural cycle in 2015, participants have raised over €1 million, helping CFI fund vital research projects and provide essential supports and services for the CF community across Ireland.
As the cycle returns for 2026, Caroline’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of people living with Cystic Fibrosis and the importance of investing in research for the future.
“This will be my ninth and final cycle so it will be a very emotional one," said Caroline. "I've had to adapt to the progression of my condition at different stages of my life, but I've never let it define who I am or what I want to achieve. Resilience comes from focusing on what is possible rather than the impossible or what is difficult. Like everyone I am getting older, but what that looks like with CF is unknown. What it means today is that cycling the route independently is no longer possible, but thanks to riding a tandem with an incredible cycling partner, I can still be part of something that means so much to me,” Caroline shares.
According to the latest data from the Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland (CFRI) there are 1,342 people with CF in Ireland. Despite new therapies which have improved outcomes for Cystic Fibrosis, a cure has still not been found.
Sarah Tecklenborg, CEO CFI says, “Caroline is an inspiration. Her determination to complete nine Malin2Mizen cycles, and to take on this final challenge on a tandem bike as her health changes, reflects the incredible resilience of the CF community. We are so grateful to all our sponsors, cyclists, volunteers and for every person who has supported and continues to support this very special event. It has helped us achieve so much change for people with CF.
“CF is a complex and challenging condition. While highly effective modulator therapies have improved outcomes and quality of life for many, we still have no cure. Concerns are growing around long-term health issues such as cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, increased cancer risk, and the impact of ageing with CF. As life expectancy improves, research must keep pace with the evolving needs of the CF community, and continued support is needed to fund this vital work and help us find a cure.
“There are questions that previous generations of people with CF were rarely in a position to ask, and research must now keep pace with the changing needs of the CF community and we are asking for your continued to support to fund that research.”
The cycle starts in Malin Head on the Thursday 10th September and will take four days to cover 640 kilometres in their cycle to Mizen Head, which the group aims to reach on Sunday, 13th September. Sponsors of the event include Version 1, Bandon Motors, Drumkeen Service Station, Spar in Muff, Laghey, Sligo, Balladine and Gort, Maxol in Clarecastle, Dooradoyle and Millstreet, Supermacs Charlestown, Circle K Macroom and Centra Drimoleague.
Father of two children with Cystic Fibrosis, Caoimhin Ui Luing from Ballyferriter, Kerry, is also cycling this year, "taking part in the Malin2Mizen Cycle4CF, has been a great experience in the past and I am looking forward to this one. It is such a community event and the whole family are involved from my Dad who is support crew, to my children and wife who cheer us on . CFI has been part of our lives for many years, and I've seen first-hand both the challenges of the condition and the incredible progress that has been made through research over the years.
“As a parent, I know how vital research is in creating better outcomes and new opportunities for people living with CF. Taking on this challenge is my way of giving back to a community that has supported so many families like ours, while helping to raise awareness and support CFI to benefit future generations.”
Members of the public are invited to come out and show their support as the cyclists pass through the towns and villages along the way. Members of the public can also make a donation or to find out more about the services and supports CFI provide, visit www.cfireland.ie.
For anyone looking to take place in our Malin2Mizen Cycle4CF 2027 which takes place from Thurs 9th to Sunday 12th Sept, you can register your interest now at www.cfireland.ie to secure a place.