Donegal’s 11th Relay for Life event has begun under sunny skies this evening, marking the beginning of a magical 24 hours.
Teams have gathered at the ATU campus in Letterkenny to walk in celebration of cancer survivors and in memory of those who are no longer with us. Uniting everyone is a feeling of hope and a determination to fight back against cancer by raising funds for research and local support services.
Global Hero for Hope Majella O’Donnell said she was ‘excited and delighted’ to launch the walk this evening.
Patron Daniel O’Donnell facetimed into the event from a cruise to Alaska to send his best wishes.
“I hope it’s a great success,” he said. “Carers and survivors alike, I wish you all the very best.”
Daniel added: “This is an important gathering for so many people and such an important gathering to raise as much money so that many people in the future will gather like you. We just do not know who will get a cancer diagnosis today, tomorrow or sometime in the future.”
Everyone is welcome to come down and support the teams and enjoy the live entertainment running throughout today and tomorrow. For those at home and abroad, you can watch the live-stream here:
The Luminaria Candle of Hope Ceremony promises to be a touching and emotional element of the event. The Luminaria Ceremony of Light will take place on Saturday 3rd of June 10.30pm.
During the ceremony, all lights will be switched off as around 5,000 candles will light up the night, each representing names of loved ones lost, those who have survived or are still fighting the disease.
Also central to the ceremony is the Survivors Choir, with a brand new song being performed for the first time on Saturday. The choir will be led by Donal Kavanagh, Highland Radio broadcaster and cancer survivor, with Moya Brennan and family providing the music.
Relay for Life Donegal
