JJ Rhatigan & Company recently organised a company-wide fundraising event to support Stephen Corroon, a Senior Engineer who suffered a severe injury during a cycling event over the May Bank Holiday.
On Friday, September 6th, JJ Rhatigan employees across six locations participated in a 9-hour stationary cycle to raise funds for Stephen and his family. The event saw an overwhelming response, with 180 participants cycling a total of 2,964 kilometres, surpassing all expectations.
Stephen Corroon, a Senior Engineer on St Finian’s School project in Mullingar, experienced a fall during a cycling event with his local club, resulting in a catastrophic cervical spinal injury. He has since been under the care of the National Spinal Injuries Unit in the Mater Hospital and Tullamore Regional Hospital, and will undertake treatment at the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dún Laoghaire.
While Stephen has made progress, the road ahead remains uncertain for him, his wife Aoibhinn, and their two young children, Hazel (9 years) and Billy (5 years). The funds raised will go towards significant home adaptations, specialist equipment, and the ongoing medical treatment that Stephen needs.
The fundraising event took place across six JJ Rhatigan locations in Galway, Mullingar; Dublin; Kilkenny and Cork. Of the 180 participants, 131 were JJ Rhatigan employees, with additional support coming from Stephen’s family in Mullingar and subcontractors.
Ger Ronayne, CEO at JJ Rhatigan & Company, commented on the event: “As an avid cyclist myself, I know the joy and freedom that comes from being on two wheels. What happened to Stephen could have happened to any of us out there on the road. His accident has deeply affected our entire JJ Rhatigan family.
“The initiative our team has put together – cycling in solidarity for 9 hours across six of our offices and sites – truly embodies the spirit of our company and demonstrates the extraordinary solidarity within JJ Rhatigan & Company. With so many team members participating, this event showcases the strength of our collective resolve.
“It’s not just about the physical act of cycling or the funds raised – though both are crucial; it is about coming together as a company to show Stephen and his family that they have the full support of the JJ Rhatigan community behind them. Every pedal stroke represents our collective hope, support, and determination to stand by our colleague in his time of need.
“I’m immensely proud of our team’s dedication, compassion, and unity. This event really shows our company’s values and the close-knit community we’ve built, supporting each other through life’s toughest challenges.”
How to Support
JJ Rhatigan is calling for public support through their i-donate fundraising page. Every contribution, regardless of size, will make a difference, with all proceeds going directly to Stephen and his family.
For more information or to make a donation, please visit JJ RHATIGAN CYCLE FOR STEPHEN | Crowdfunding Page (idonate.ie).
