The Solas Cancer Support Centre’s Run and Walk for Life returns to the streets of Waterford City on Sunday 13th October and Dungarvan’s Greenway on Saturday 12th October.
The 10K Run and Walk in Dungarvan starts at 10 am on Saturday 12th October at Walton Park. The 10k Run and Walk on Sunday 13th October starts at 10.00 am on the Quay in Waterford City. A new 4K family walk has been added to both Waterford and Dungarvan to encourage families to take part in tandem with the 10K routes. The popular virtual option is also available and workplaces are being encouraged to once again #GoOrangeForSolas.
Tracy McDaid, Manager of the Solas Cancer Support Centre, explains what this annual event means to the charity:
“The Run and Walk for Life is the most action-packed and exciting weekend of the year for the Solas Cancer Support Centre. The Run and Walk for Life is our main fundraiser annually and funds are needed now more than ever. This year, we’ve seen a 25% increase in demand for our services. Some of those services include complementary therapy, counselling, life coaching acupuncture, wellness class, support group and information sessions.”
Over 8,700 one-to-one support sessions were delivered by Solas Cancer Support Centre in 2023. Last year, the Run and Walk for Life event raised €190,000. These funds went towards supporting the running costs of the service which cost over €1 Million to operate in 2023, the first year that costs have reached this milestone.
Speaking at the launch, Gwen Daniels, General Manager, UPMC Whitfield Hospital, said;
“As another Solas Run and Walk for Life takes place, UPMC is delighted to be the main sponsor again this year. This partnership allows us to ensure that patients in the South East have access to a robust suite of oncology services as they progress through their diagnosis and treatment. We recognise and appreciate the valuable services and care that Solas provides to patients and their families as they navigate their cancer journey as our team in UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre works to deliver comprehensive care to those patients during their cancer treatment.”
This year sees WLR FM return as a media partner and Michael Byrne, CEO of WLR FM explains the strong links that exist with the radio station:
“Last year's Run and Walk for Life was incredible, and we can't wait for this year's event. The team at WLR is deeply embedded in the community across the city and county, and Solas is a vital centre for all of us here in County Waterford. We are thrilled to be media partners again in 2024 and wish the entire organising team and volunteers all the best. Stay tuned to WLR in the coming weeks for updates on the 2024 Run and Walk for Life”
Registration is open online at www.solascentre.ie. The registration fee is €25 per adult and €15 per child. This fee includes a t-shirt and an event medal, kindly sponsored by Eirgen Pharma.
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