East and West Waterford joined forces over the weekend of October 11th and 12th and collectively raised €230,000 for the Solas Cancer Support Centre.

Over 4,000 participants took part with the main event taking place on Sunday 12th October in Waterford city, while Dungarvan hosted the event on Saturday 11th October. 7,000 pupils also participated in the ‘Go Orange for Solas’ event on October 10th in schools over the southeast.

On announcing the amount raised Barry Monaghan, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the charity spoke of his appreciation to all who took part.

“We are very grateful to all the runners, walkers, fundraisers, and volunteers involved. The funds generated will be used to help fund our services, both in Waterford and in our west Waterford service, in 2026. Because of these funds raised we are proud to be able to meet our increased demand and offer a broad range of support to our clients. We were also very pleased that our blue T shirts this year started conversations the length and breadth of the county, and beyond, about men engaging with the services- we are here for you.”

Pictured L-R: Tracy McDaid, Manager, Solas Cancer Support Centre; John Keane, Presenter, WLR FM; Gwen Daniels, General Manager, UPMC Whitfield; Kieran Foley, News & Sports Editor, WLR FM; Oliver Carroll, Presenter, WLR FM; Eimear O’Neill, Chief Medical Physicist, UPMC Whitfield; Dymphna Nugent, Presenter, WLR FM; Ann Marie Power, Fundraising Coordinator, Solas Cancer Support Centre. Photo: Garrett Fitzgerald

Tracy McDaid, Manager of the Solas Cancer Support Centre explains how the event this year was such a huge success.

“The Run and Walk for Life would not be possible without the 200 volunteers involved over the weekend and in planning for the event. We would like to thank our Media Sponsor WLR FM and our Event Sponsor UPMC Whitfield Hospital, the event would not be possible without them both. We are also grateful for the support of Eirgen, Activate and Beat, whose support helped make the 2025 Run and Walk for Life such a success.”

Solas offers free professional support services to those affected by cancer, their families, and carers in Waterford and surrounding areas. A wide range of services are available including Counselling, Complementary Therapies, Acupuncture, Meditation, Yoga, Play Therapy, and Art Psychotherapy for children and adolescents, as well as a range of information and exercise sessions. For inquiries please call the Solas Cancer Support Centre on 051 304604 or email info@solascentre.ie

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