As preparations continue for this year’s Run and Walk for Solas, some of those who provide services through the Solas Cancer Support Centre have been sharing their stories.

The Run and Walk for Solas takes place in Dungarvan on Saturday October 10th and in Waterford City on Sunday October 11th.

Registration has already topped 2,500.

This year marks a particularly important year for the Dungarvan service as it marks ten years in existence.

Speaking to WLR, two service providers have been sharing their connections with the service.

Lorraine Shanahan: Art Therapist

“Often cancer can be devastating for a family, so my work with children and adolescents helps them to express how they are feeling about the situation around them. Often they find it difficult to talk about their feelings and art therapy offers them an opportunity, through the medium of art material,  to express themselves. My work is based in the Lismore Clinic and it’s wonderful to be able to offer services local to people in the West Waterford area.”

Emma Coleman: Acupuncture Therapist and Yoga Facilitator

“I grew up in Abbeyside and I’m now living in Ballinacourty. I’ve been working in the complementary therapy field with nearly 20 years now and I’ve had the absolute privilege of working with the Solas Centre here in Dungarvan as an acupuncturist since 2018 and in the last 12 months have been facilitating a yoga class for the Solas. 

Acupuncture focuses on symptoms and side effects from cancer treatment the most common being pain, nausea and fatigue. Along with these physical challenges, there are also emotional challenges stress anxiety sleep disorders. Acupuncture treats the person as a whole and supports the person, complementing their medical treatment. I see a huge difference week on week with clients having acupuncture, where relaxation and connecting with their body is so important. 

This is true also for the yoga classes where people can relax and move their body in a gentle way helping themselves to reconnect with their body and aid the healing process. There is a lovely sense of community within the group. People can support one another, share experiences, and, importantly, have some laughs along the way.

Working with people affected by cancer has been incredibly rewarding. A cancer diagnosis can often bring a completely new perspective on life, and I find it amazing to hear people’s insights, wisdom and reflections. Every person I meet teaches me something, and I feel genuinely honoured to be even a small part of their journey. I feel very lucky to be part of the Solas Centre and to contribute, in a small way, to the wonderful support it provides to people and families in Dungarvan and the surrounding areas.”

WLR is once again proud media partner of this year’s event.

Find out more here