Relay For Life held their bi-annual conference today ahead of the 10th anniversary of the event in Donegal.
The conference, which was held in the Mount Errigal Hotel, included the launch of the new support programme for schools and an update on the Letterkenny University Hospital research projects.
Relay For Life Donegal has raised much needed funds for research and for cancer services, while it has also helped people to remember those they have lost from the disease.
Robert O’Connor making the closing remarks Relay For Life Cancer Conference in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Saturday. Photo Clive Wasson
Dr. Robert O’Connor, Head of research with the Irish cancer society, and the chair of Relay For Life in Donegal, began by raising awareness for the growing numbers in Ireland and what can be done as a means of prevention.
The Relay For Life Cancer Conference in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Saturday. Photo Clive Wasson
The guests were then introduced to tell their stories of their fights with cancer. First to speak was Paul McLoone from Ballyshannon. Paul is a six time cancer survivor, with his first battle beginning in 1979.
Paul spoke about his experiences and the significance of the Irish Cancer Society in his life.
Attendee’s at the Relay For Life Cancer Conference in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Saturday. Photo Clive Wasson
Donal Kavanagh of Highland Radio, who suffered from cancer in his left eye, was also a guest speaker at the conference.
Joan Burke was the next speaker as she spoke about counselling and coping followed finally by a Q&A with the panel.
Joan Burke speaking on Coping and Counselling at Relay For Life Cancer Conference in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Saturday. Photo Clive Wasson
This year’s Relay for Life Donegal will be hosted at the LYIT grounds in Letterkenny on May 28th and 29th.
The Relay For Life Cancer Conference in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Saturday. Photo Clive Wasson
For those unable to attend, the conference was streamed live on Facebook and can be watched back on the Relay For Life Donegal Facebook page.
