Ciaran Carruthers, a bicyclist who raises money for cancer every year in a two-day, 192-mile bike ride through Massachusetts, has it tough this year.
Carruthers, 48, an arborist by trade with his own business, Emerald Organic Inc., broke a femur leg bone and hurt a knee during a work accident in April.
Despite the pain, he still intends to take on the Massachusetts cancer ride, called the Pan-Mass Challenge, on Aug. 1 and 2.
“While I don’t expect to set any speed recrods, I do intend to finish the 192 miles,” Carruthers said in a letter dated July 14, when he reached out to friends including the Ridgefield Police Department to contribute.
The Police Department stepped up to the plate in support, as they always do. The town’s men and women in blue, including the Police Benevolent Assocation, will contribute to the fundraiser and help Carruthers achieve his goal of raising $15,000 for the Jimmy Fund and research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Bill Browning, communications supervisor for the Police Department, is leading the fundraising drive to help Carruthers.
“I used to ride, but I can’t do it anymore, so I raise funds for Ciaran,” said Browning, who has chronic leukemia, a type of cancer. Browning’s career as a Ridgefield police officer ended when he suffered a debilitating spinal injury by falling from a ladder. He is now supervisor of communications for the department.
“We’ll get good friends to help us raise this money,” Browning said.
Both men feel connected to the cause of raising funds for cancer, because cancer has caused the deaths of family and friends.
Together, they’ve raised $67,550 for the Jimmy Fund through the years.
“If I can’t be riding with him, I’ll help him raise the money,” Browning said.
To make a contribution, mail a check made out to the PMC, to Carruthers at 10 Marie Lane, Ridgefield, CT, 06877.
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