Kenyan cycle looms for former face of cancer campaign

HER family helped establish the daffodil as an international symbol of the fight against cancer.

Now, decades later, the original "daffodil girl" is taking up the mantle with an epic money-spinning bike ride.

Laura Curley was just two years old when relatives began selling daffodils from her uncle's land in Galway to swell charity coffers. The Curleys' feat of philanthropy, inspired by a similar concept in the Aran Islands, attracted widespread media attention and has generated millions of pounds for cancer charities since 1988. Daffodil Day is now a stable in the Irish fundraising calendar and as a child Miss Curley was the face of the campaign.

Continuing this family tradition, the 24-year-old assistant bar manager is conditioning herself for a 400-kilometre cycle trek in the hope of raising 3000 for cancer charities Breast Cancer Care, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

She was inspired to get in the charitable saddle after watching her mother's steady decline following a brain tumour.

"My mum would be in the field everyday picking daffodils before she got ill and even sometime after," said Laura. "But the after-effects of cancer ruined her and she has had a number of haemorrhages since she was diagnosed eight or nine years ago. Her memory is not so good now but she still talks about that time all those years ago. She can't recall what's happened in the last few months but always talks about the daffodils."

It was on a flight back to Edinburgh where Miss Curley stumbled on how she could make a difference. While flicking through a magazine, an article about Women V Cancer caught her eye and she resolved to sign up for its scheduled Kenyan cycle race. For Laura, cycling evokes poignant memories but she sees the looming challenge as a stepping stone to greater things.

"I used to cycle down to the daffodil field with my mother as a child and it was a very relaxing experience. I really enjoy cycling but I think if I start small it could lead to bigger fundraising events in the future. I feel really strongly this is something I want to continue doing for life."

The devoted fundraiser will endure the sweltering heat and dusty dirt roads of Kenya's Rift Valley during her nine-day expedition in February but tonight she is hosting a Father Ted-themed event at Malone's Irish Bar on Forrest Road.

With a special appearance from Rob Morgan, the son of the late Dermot Morgan who played the Craggy Island priest, the bash is expected to attract hundreds of fans of the popular TV series.

Among the entertainment on show will be several live bands as well as a Lovely Girls Competition, a Song From Europe and a raffle offering dinner for two at some of Edinburgh's most exclusive restaurants.