WATCH: Solas Run and Walk for Life 2023 - Heartfelt stories

Preparations are underway for the annual Solas Run and Walk for Life 2023.

Over 1,500 people are registered to take part in the walks on October 14th in Dungarvan and 15th in Waterford City.

WATCH the below video of the WLR News team's interviews with Solas staff and users.

The Service

•              The Solas Cancer Support Centre is an independent charity that offers free support services to those affected by cancer, their families and carers in Waterford City and County and surrounding areas.

•              A service for West Waterford, based in Dungarvan, started in September 2016.

•              The Solas Cancer Support Centre is based in Williamstown Waterford and at the Alternative Health Clinic in Dungarvan on a Monday.

•              In 2022 the service supported over 1,000 people with over 7,001 individual ‘one-to-one sessions’.

•              These support services include counselling, relaxation therapies and group support services

•              It is very easy to engage with the services – call in, phone or e-mail – you do not need a doctor’s referral.

•              The services are not just for someone with a cancer diagnosis -but also for family members and carers.

•              The service is supported by over 70 volunteers and simply could not operate without this amazing support.

•              The service is hugely dependent on funding that comes from community donations and fundraising events- this accounts for 85% of the funding for the charity.

•              In 2023 the costs to run the service will be €1Million.

•              In 2023 the service is seeing a 36% increase in clients engaging with the service.

The Event

•              The Run and Walk for Life is the largest annual fundraiser.

•              The Dungarvan event took place for the first time in 2022.

•              The 5K route was added this year.

•              The 2022 event raised €135,000

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Event Committee

•              The event is coordinated by a voluntary committee that looks after areas such as Safety, Medical, Route Entertainment, Fun for Life, Sponsorship, Communications, Race logistics, Start and Finish Line           Planning, The Committee start work in May each year.

•              On the day over 200 volunteers support the event to ensure it is safe and enjoyable.

Event Support:

Amazing support from community groups and local companies.

•              Event partners are UPMC and WLR FM

•              Eirgen sponsored the stunning medals this year

•              Waterford Council and An Garda Siochana offer invaluable support

•              Community Groups that give support include Civil Defence, Coast Gaurds, and Waterford Marine Search and Rescue.

•              Clem Jacob and his team on the day keep the show on the road.

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