A KILDARE woman is taking part in an epic 383 mile cycle ride from London to Ireland to raise money for the surgeon who tried to save her mother.
Amie Merlehan's mother, Toni, died in 2015 from peripheral vascular disease.
When Toni was diagnosed in 2007, she was told she would only live for four years.
However, due to her own resilience and the efforts of an incredible medical team, Toni lived until July last year.
Vascular surgeon David Nott operated on Toni 48 times and Amie has credited him for saving her mother's life on numerous occasions.
She paid tribute to the British-based surgeon, describing him as an "amazing and humble man."
Dubbed the 'Indiana Jones' of surgery, Nott volunteers for the Red Cross and Medecins Sans Frontieres operating in conflict zones around the world for several months a year.
He travelled to Syria in 2012, 2013 and 2014 where he performed surgery on victims of the conflict there.
Amie will be cycling from her mother's home town of London to her burial place in Moone, Co Kildare on July 4, arriving at her mother's grave on the one year anniversary of her death on July 7.
She will be joined by her best friend, Hanna Fathers, who has been a great source of support since she lost her mother.
Amie said of her mother: "She was the strongest human being I know and to lose her at her young age of 47 is horrific.
"I'm only 26 and had so much more to share with her."
The money raised from the cycle will go to the David Nott Foundation, which provides surgeons and medical professionals with the skills they need to provide relief and assistance in conflict and natural disaster zones around the world.
Amie is hoping to raise £1000 for the charity.
To donate to the cause, go to https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/ToniMerlehan
