Hundreds of people are expected to take part in the annual Run and Walk for Solas in Waterford City this morning.

The 10K and 4K events get underway from the Quay in Waterford at 10am, with participants encouraged to wear orange in support of the Solas Cancer Support Centre.

The event follows yesterday’s Run and Walk in Dungarvan and comes during a milestone year marking 25 years of Solas supporting people and families affected by cancer.

Speaking at the Dungarvan event, Clare Shanahan, Client Services Coordinator with Solas in West Waterford, described the annual fundraiser as an uplifting occasion which brings people together for many different reasons.

‘It’s a real celebration of survival,’ she said.

‘It is the power of solidarity. It’s families coming together. It’s friends coming together. It’s people being there for people.’

Ms. Shanahan said the organisation is now approaching €1.5 million a year to operate its existing services, with demand continuing to grow.

She said community support has enabled Solas to develop its services across Waterford, including the opening of its Dungarvan service in 2016.

Today’s Waterford City event gets underway from the Quay at 10am.