Into the west - all geared up for Sandra's Run fundraising motorcycle event

The countdown is on to one of the most anticipated motorcycle runs in the country, Sandra’s Run.

With Temple Street Foundation being the main beneficiary for this year’s run taking place on Saturday, organisers are also planning to make a donation to the Mater Foundation. 

This annual event is held in memory of Sandra Boyle, a Killybegs teenager who sadly died of leukaemia on the day before her 18th birthday in 1991.

During her  life, she touched many hearts and Sandra’s Run, organised by her family, honours her memory by continuing to help sick children from all over Ireland.

The support for Sandra’s Run is immense and is growing year on year with around 400 bikes taking part last year. 

Sandra’s Mum Rosaleen told the Donegal Democrat: “They are gentle souls, the bikers, even though they might have this rough image sometimes. 

“It means so much to us to see them all arriving. Last year I was on my way up to Donegal Town the day before to pick up a hamper for a raffle prize. I saw so many bikes on the road.

“The feeling you get when you see those people coming and you think, ‘They are coming for us’ is so special.”

A unique feature of Sandra’s Run - and one with which the general public can get involved - is the tradition of putting teddies and other soft toys out along the route. 

“The teddies mean the world to us and to all the people taking part because they represent all the sick children up and down the country,” said Rosaleen. “It gives the bikers such a lift to see them.”

Rosaleen and her husband Jim will be among those taking part, and being part of the biker community is a big part of their lives.

“Bikes have been there since the start of our relationship,” said Rosaleen. 

“I worked in the Sandhouse Hotel in Rossnowlagh and Jim used to come and pick me up on his Honda 50,” she recalls.

After decades of riding pillion, Rosaleen took a big step forward and is now a fully fledged biker in her own right.

“There was a 200cc bike in the shed, and Jim said to me, ‘Why don’t you learn how to ride?’

“I passed my test at 59!

“Jim and myself go all over the county supporting other bike runs. It is a really great way of life.”

Among those travelling to Killybegs for Sandra’s Run is Rosaleen’s brother and his wife, who live in the US. “There are around 50 family members coming from America, the UK and all over Ireland,” she said.

Sandra’s Run begins on the Diamond, Killybegs on Saturday, July 6. From there, the bikes will travel to Maloney’s Service Station, Ardara to fuel up on petrol and ice cream.

The next stage takes them to the tea stop at the Fairy Glen in Bunbeg, and then its onwards to Sharkey’s Top Oil in Dungloe, and then back to the Tara Hotel for a hot meal.

“And then we go home and get ready for the dance!” said Rosaleen.

With music by the Minertones, the dance which is open to everyone takes place in the Tara Hotel from 9pm.

Updates and information can be found on Jim Boyle Sandra’s Run Facebook page, and on Rosaleen Boyle’s Facebook page. 

“I want to thank everybody who takes part, sponsors or helps out in any way,” said Rosaleen. 

“There are so many that I can’t name them individually but I would like to say that we are grateful to each and every one of them.”