Emotional affair as cancer survivors share their stories
THE launch of Relay for Life South County Dublin in Rua Red on Saturday was an emotional affair, with a cancer survivor sharing her story and her pride in the event.
Relay for Life is held every June for 24 hours, this year in Corkagh Park, as a way of remembering loved ones who died from cancer, celebrating survivors and fundraising for the Irish Cancer Society.
The launch last weekend marked the official opening of registrations for the event and served as an important reminder of the impact and aim of Relay for Life.
Cancer survivor Donna-Marie Cullen spoke at the launch, and shared details of her cancer journey and recovery with the attendees, who included community members and local politicians.
Clondalkin woman Caroline Corcoran, who founded Relay for Life South County Dublin with Tallaght woman Paula Haverty, said the launch was a success.
“There was a fantastic atmosphere, and there was a lot of interest from teams who registered on the day,” Ms Corcoran told The Echo.
“It was very emotional because we shared footage from last year’s Relay for Life”.
The group also sold 100 candle bags, which are used to line the track of Corkagh Park to light the way for people walking in the park at night, with loved one’s names being drawn onto the bags.
The event truly is a community effort, as the Clondalkin Men’s Shed has cut and provided 3,200 pieces of wood to be used to hold the candles in place in the vibrant bags.
Relay for Life South County Dublin has also benefited from a bucket collection that was previously held by local retired men’s choir RAMS in Rhythm to fundraise for the event.
Commenting further on the launch, Ms Corcoran said: “I’d just like to thank everyone for coming and raising awareness of the relay.
“We want to get as many people in the park as possible on the June bank holiday.”
Relay for Life South County Dublin will take place for 24 hours in Corkagh Park on June 1, and is open to people from communities all over the county.
For further information, to register a team or to purchase a candle bag, visit the Relay for Life South County Dublin Facebook page HERE or the website HERE.
