Letterkenny mum Lisa Gallagher is calling on people to put their best foot forward in a fun run for cancer care services this October.
Letterkenny Pink Run & Walk takes place on Sunday 15th October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Men, women and kids of all ages are welcome to take part in the 3km or 5km routes starting from Letterkenny Community Centre at 10.30am (registration from 9am).
There will be music and refreshments and everyone is encouraged to wear pink as a symbol of the strength, courage and faith shown by people impacted by cancer.
Lisa, who is currently going through breast cancer treatment, wanted to organise the event to give back to Cancer Care West.
Lisa’s cancer was detected by chance earlier this year. As she came to terms with her diagnosis, Lisa found invaluable support from the Letterkenny Cancer Care West centre.
“Cancer can be a lonely journey and sometimes you don’t want to worry your family. Cancer Care West have been a great support for me. Grainne Duffy, the reflexologist, has helped me on really bad days and it’s made a real difference to my journey,” she said.
Before her chemotherapy started, Lisa did a head shave in August and raised an amazing €4,700 for Cancer Care West. Her sister Tanya also braved the shave a month later, bringing extra awareness to the charity.
Now that the finish line for her chemotherapy is in sight, Lisa is looking forward to hopefully getting back to running soon.
The local pre-school leader is an advocate for healthy living, having made it to the final of Ireland’s Fittest Family in 2022 alongside her children Connor, Molly, and James.
Next Sunday’s event holds extra significance for Lisa, as the Community Centre is the place where she found a love of running.
“Myself and my friend Marina Boyle started with the Couch to 5K 10 years ago, and running became my passion. In a way, it’s lovely to be back at the Community Centre ten years later,” Lisa said.
The morning will also be a chance for people to gain awareness about breast cancer. In Ireland, 3,400 women and 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Early detection starts with people knowing the symptoms and checking themselves regularly.
“I want people to not be so afraid of talking about cancer,” Lisa said.
Letterkenny Pink Run and Walk organisers Marina Boyle, Jackie McAteer, Lisa Gallagher and Monica Grier
Lisa has the support of Marina Boyle, Jackie McAteer and Monica Grier who are helping to organise the event. Fitness instructor Ciara McVeigh Lunn will do a fun warm-up and the talented Breathnach family will be providing music. The Glenswilly Mothers and Others Gaelic team have volunteered for the day and many more local businesses are rowing in behind the event.
So get your brightest pink tops, hats, shorts and socks on and get out to support this great local cause!
Registration opens at 9am at Letterkenny Community Centre on the morning of 15th October. The cost is €8 for adults and children are free. The run begins at 10.30am.
For more details join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/349331740876737
