Relay for Life Donegal was unveiled to the public across Co Donegal last night with over 170 people attending a public information night in the Mount Errigal Hotel for the inspirational initiative due to take place in Letterkenny in May.
Irish Cancer Society CEO John McCormick revealed it was the biggest turnout they have ever had at a Relay for Life Public meeting.
Highland Radio’s Charlie Collins was Master of Ceremonies and introduced members of the committee who gave their reasons for being involved in Relay For Life, including their own experiences of cancer and their hope that this event will raise funds to help find a cure for this dreaded disease.
At one point Committee member Garvan McCloskey asked all those who had been affected by cancer themselves or those near and dear to them to stand – how poignant it was to see only two people left seated in the large audience.
Irish Cancer Society CEO, John McCormick, told the gathered crowd how monies raised from this event, and the other 7 Relays to be held in Ireland in 2012, will help fund research and such services as night nurses for cancer patients, Travel2Care and Care to Drive where volunteers bring cancer patients from their homes to receive treatment in local hospitals.
Relay for Life Donegal will be held in the LYIT on May 26th and 27th and is a 24 hour relay – 24 hours to highlight that cancer never sleeps.
Sixty teams will take part, being on the relay track in shifts for the whole 24 hours. Survivors, who are the special guests of the event, will do their lap of honour before being joined by carers and then the sixty teams take to the track.
At dusk on Saturday, Candles of Hope will be lit and illuminate the relay course – candles in memory of those who did not survive or candles for those who are undergoing treatment or who have survived. Throughout the night and following day there will be entertainment with celebrities calling in to help with the event. The aim is to raise €100,000 so if you can help…………
How can you help?
Register as a survivor, register as a volunteer………. As we speak, the interest in entering teams has surpassed all expectations and it looks as though we have the 60 needed.
But you can help at the event, you can help sell Candles of Hope before Relay weekend, you can volunteer to give general help at the event – there is so much that needs to be done. Have you an idea that might help provide entertainment during the 24 hours – can you provide sponsorship/prizes – are you a hairdresser/therapist that could provide services to survivors during the event?? Anyone who would like to volunteer or has an ides – contact relayforlifedonegal@gmail.com
Tags:
