Charity
Orla Foley’s inspiring charity cycle journey honours Anthony Foley’s life and legacy
Anthony Foley died suddenly eight years ago, now his sister Orla Foley is using a heartfelt charity initiative ‘Orla’s Wild Ways’ to celebrate her late brother’s life and legacy.
‘Orla’s Wild Ways’ is a heartfelt charity initiative created by Orla Foley to celebrate the life and legacy of her late brother, rugby legend, Anthony Foley
Eight years ago, the rugby world lost a legend when Anthony Foley, a celebrated Irish Rugby player and coach, died suddenly in Paris. In his memory, his sister Orla Foley, who resides in Killaloe, County Clare, has embarked on a series of charity cycles to honour his legacy and support causes close to their hearts.
Orla Foley has turned her grief into action through “Orla’s Wild Ways,” a heartfelt charity initiative. She cycles to celebrate her brother Anthony’s life and legacy, supporting three important charities: CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), CARI (Children at Risk in Ireland), and the Midwest Cancer Foundation, which was closely associated with Anthony.
When asked about her initiative, Orla shared, “In memory of my beloved brother Anthony, I have embarked on a heartfelt charity fundraiser called Orla’s Wild Ways. Through this initiative, I cycle to celebrate his life and legacy whilst savouring the journey and his memory.
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“This supports three important charities that are close to our hearts: CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), CARI (Children at Risk in Ireland), and Anthony’s own Midwest Cancer Foundation. Through Orla’s Wild Ways, we aim to raise awareness and funds, ensuring that Anthony’s spirit of generosity and kindness continues to make a positive impact in the world.”
Orla’s drive comes from a deep sense of gratitude, she said, “Anthony fortunately survived three near-death incidences as a young child. As a result, I am grateful for the 42 years he lived a vibrant, successful, and inspiring life. Gratitude for what we had helped heal the pain in my heart after his death.”
Orla’s journey began shortly after Anthony’s death, cycling the Camino Northern route in his memory. During the Pandemic, she cycled around the coast of Ireland, starting in Autumn 2020. As part of Orla’s Wild Ways fundraiser, former rugby player Barry Murphy penned the song “Alone You Stand” in memory of Anthony.
In May 2022, Orla and three friends ferried from Ireland and cycled across France to Carcassonne. Last May 2023, she cycled solo continuing the journey to Toulon and this May, 2024 cycled Toulon to Pisa, finishing her journey down the Italian Riviera. Orla plans to continue following her inspiration and celebrating Anthony’s memory through future cycling adventures.
Barry Murphy came onboard the fundraiser penning the heartfelt tribute song to his fellow Munsterman ‘Alone You Stand’ and their iron-willed sister Rosie Foley added her ‘Triple Crown’ to the fundraising efforts. To date, over €35,500 euros have gone directly to the charities.
For more information visit orlafoley.com or contact: 0876644140
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