Ballyfermot Relay for Life gets started this Saturday at Lawns Park

By Maurice Garvey

BALLYFERMOT Relay For Life kicks off this weekend at the Lawns Park on August 20-21 from 12 noon to 12 noon.

The 24-hour relay is held to battle cancer and sees teams provide a member to continuously run or walk around the track non-stop during the course of the event.

Ballyfermot Relay For Life organiser Daniel McGarry was a recent global award winner for Volunteer of the Year – beating another Relay For Life volunteer from South Africa.

Established in the USA to raise funds for cancer research and support, RFL groups are set up globally, and the Ballyfermot branch has proved to be extremely successful over the last two years.

Last year, Ballyfermot RFL raised €27,000 for the Irish Cancer Society.

The event was kickstarted in 2013 when the three McGarry brothers from Cherry Orchard, took part in charity cycle to honour their late mother Patty McGarry (54), who passed away from breast cancer.

Teams taking part in the Relay have been fundraising over the last number of weeks, while organisers have held a range of events including a lip-synching competition.

The event also celebrate survivors, and remember ones lost, with a Candle of Hope ceremony featuring pictures of loved ones.