Great response from the public for Relay For Life
By Maurice Garvey
MONTHS of planning paid off once again for the annual Relay For Life Ballyfermot in Le Fanu Park – it drew a big crowd and a great response over the weekend, reports Maurice Garvey.
Cherry Orchard brothers Wayne, Daniel and Kevin McGarry, started the initiative in 2013 to honour their mother Patty McGarry, who passed away that year after suffering from a cancer-related illness.
Volunteers having a great time at Relay For Life
The 24-hour Relay events celebrate the lives of cancer survivors, remembering those lost to the disease and raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.
Taking to social media to thank everyone involved in supporting the event, Ballyfermot Relay Chairman Daniel McGarry acknowledged the efforts of many people who “put so much love and effort in to help make sure the day is a success.”
“I really want to say a huge thank you to each and every person of our amazing community who came along to support us, and those outside our community who wanted to show their support.
“It takes months of preparation and dedication to put on. Ups, downs, laughs and tears – these guys give it all. I have been blessed to have these people by my side,” said Daniel.
The event featured musical performers on stage, an appearance from Dublin Fire Brigade, and the visually impressive candle remembrance ceremony on Saturday night.
Ballyfermot Relay has raised over €100,000 for the Irish Cancer Society in recent years, and that figure is set to rise with the latest instalment.
Residents who attended the event spoke highly of it, many praising an “amazing day as always” and a “memorable 24 hours.”
One woman, a cancer survivor, said she cried walking around the track due to the “fantastic feeling” and wants to get involved in volunteering next year.
TAGS Ballyfermot
