Relay for Life 24-hour event celebrates cancer survivors

RELAY for Life, a 24-hour community event that celebrates cancer survivors, is coming to Clondalkin this year, but organisers are keen to have teams signed up as soon as possible.

The walking event, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, will take place at Corkagh Park on Saturday and Sunday, June 3/4. Caroline Corcoran, Chairperson of Relay for life Clondalkin, was involved in the Ballyfermot Relay in recent years, but says this if the first time Clondalkin are hosting the event.

“Clondalkin Relay for Life is an overnight community celebration, which honours current and former cancer patients, their families and friends.

It raises vital funds to support the Irish Cancer Society’s work,” said Caroline.

“At the heart of Relay, teams of friends, families, neighbours and colleagues come together in groups and commit to keeping participants walking around a track/path for 24 hours.

Hundreds of other activities take place throughout the 24 hours to create a wonderfully festive atmosphere.

“The event includes a cancer survivor’s lap of honour and the candle of hope ceremony.

“Everybody in the community is invited to come along and experience this inspiring event of celebration and commemoration.”

Caroline, and her fellow committee members Paula and Sharon has suffered losses of parents from cancer, but they say the event is “community-led” and they welcome people from wider communities to join the celebration.

“We will be doing fundraising events throughout the year in order to bring the relay to Clondalkin, and there will be teams of 10 to 15 people per team also fundraising “Survivors are VIPS on the day and they will be opening the relay and also will be treated to survivors lunch and goody bags,” said Caroline.

A feature of every Relay For Life is the Candle of Hope ceremony which takes place at dusk.

Hundreds of candle bags that have been personalised with messages of hope and remembrance are lit during a moving ceremony involving music and speeches.

Candle bags are available from the committee and teams for €5.

Caroline urges people to get involved: “We are looking for teams to participate.

“This is a walking event.

Teams of 10 to 15 people take part but someone from your team needs to be on the track at all times during the 24 hours.”

Organisers are also looking for volunteers to assist with the weekend event, and anyone who has a talent for singing, dancing , karate display etc.

For more information contact Caroline 086 308 5541 or Paula 085 197 5680.

Or visit their social media at the Relay for Life Facebook page and its Instagram page.