The Solas Cancer Support Centre’s Run and Walk for Life took place in Waterford City on Sunday 15th October and Dungarvan’s Greenway on Saturday 14th October.
3,400 people took part over the two days in what is the 15th year of the event.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway had the honour of officially starting the Waterford event, where he wished all participants an enjoyable day as they helped raise vital funds for this very important service.
“It gives me great pride to be at the starting line of the Solas Cancer Support Centre’s Run & Walk for Life. The regard with which the Solas Cancer Support Centre is held, not just in Waterford but throughout the region is evident, as thousands of runners, walkers and joggers are here today.
Everyone has a different story to tell, every one of us has been or knows someone who has been affected by cancer. That is why this weekend’s events in Dungarvan and the city are so important. They are important because the Solas Cancer support Centre has made a real difference to each and every one of us here today and can only continue to do so with our support.”
Mayor Conway added, “I’d like to pay tribute to the staff and volunteers at the centre for their trojan efforts and also I’d like to commend the fundraising efforts of everyone taking part in this weekend’s events. Without fundraising, the Centre would not be able to provide the care and cancer support services that are much needed.”
Last year, the Run and Walk for Life event raised €135,000. These funds went towards supporting the running costs of the service which cost €850,000 to operate in 2022. The amount raised for 2023 is due to be announced next month once all donations have been calculated.
Tracy McDaid, Manager of the Solas Cancer Support Centre, explains what this annual event means to the charity:
“We had great uptake in the numbers signing up for our Run and Walk for Life 2023. In our 15th year of the event, I’m delighted to say we’ve smashed records with a sea of orange participants where 2,300 people took part in Waterford City, 500 in Dungarvan and 200 people undertook the event virtually.
The people of Waterford as well as the surrounding counties have been a huge support to Solas Cancer Support Centre and I want to thank each and every one of them for coming out to support us this year. Many people are return supporters and have been taking part for the last 15 years and we are so grateful to them as the Run and Walk for Life is our main annual fundraiser.
I’d also like to thank our event partners UPMC, WLRFM and Eirgen whose substantial contributions have played a significant role in both events.”
This year, Solas Cancer Support Centre has seen a 35% increase in demand for services. Some of those services include complementary therapy, counselling, life coaching acupuncture, wellness class, support group and information sessions.
WLR were media partner for the 2023 event. Michael Byrne, Operations Manager with WLR said “The team at Solas are doing amazing work across the city and county. As the media partner, we believe in the power of radio to amplify positive stories and inspire participation. Our team were actively involved in covering the event, ensuring that the stories of participants, the mission of Solas, and the invaluable work they do reach a broader audience. Our thanks to Tracy and Ann-Marie from Solas for all their work in organising the event and a huge thanks to all our listeners for supporting it.”
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