800 bikers saddle up for Little Fighters
It could be one of the biggest such motorcycle rallies ever held in Ireland.
“This has grown way beyond my expectations,” rally organiser, Jay Keating, said.
Jay is a member of the Rebel Riders Club and is an uncle of the twins, Hassan and Hussein Benhaffhaf.
“We hoped to get about 300 bikers but we have been stunned by the level of support. We should have 800 but that might even go to 1,000.
“Bikers are coming from all over the country, and we are even expecting about 40 bikers to come from Wales.”
His nephews, dubbed the ‘little fighters’ were born last December. Their parents, Jay’s sister Angie, and her husband, Azzedine, have put their lives on hold to care for the boys, who face a complex operation in London to separate them later this year. They could be in hospital for at least six months.
Despite facing huge financial pressures over the next year or so, Angie and Azzedine turned down several lucrative offers from some newspapers to sell their story.
The Little Fighters Fund was set up to help the family, and, moved by their plight, people have been organising various events to help.
A disco at Mayfield GAA club last weekend has raised at least €3,500. Organiser John Bowen said money is still flowing in.
But after a disappointing attendance of 40 people at a fundraising gig at the Everyman last weekend, Sunday’s rally is poised to be the biggest fundraising event.
Motorists have been warned to expect delays between Midleton and Dungarvan between noon and 5pm.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
