A KILMALEY woman who recently ran the VHI women’s mini-marathon in memory of her father has raised more than €2,000 for a national cancer charity.
Mary Griffin’s father Brendan passed away last year following a battle with oesophageal cancer. On Sunday, June 5 Mary alongside two of her father’s nieces braved the pouring rain to run the mini-marathon in Dublin, the first time that the event has been run physically since 2019.
She tells she was inspired to do the marathon in memory of her “precious father Brendan, who passed away in November, aged 65, after a tough battle with oesophageal cancer.”
She explains she decided to run in the 10km event as she wanted to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer as well as raising much needed funds for the Oesophageal Cancer Fund, the national charity for Oesophageal Cancer in Ireland.
Mary recalls her father was first diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in April 2019 after experiencing food sticking in his oesophagus (food pipe) and progressive weight loss.
He underwent chemotherapy and successfully came through the eight-hour operation to remove the tumour in September 2019.
“At that time, he was told that he was cancer free,” she says. “Unfortunately, in March last year he noticed pain in his abdomen and we were told that a secondary cancer had developed. This time the consultant told us that treatment would only ease his pain and that he only had a maximum of 18 months to live.”
Working from home during the pandemic gave her the opportunity to spend a lot of quality time with her dad around the farm in 2020 and 2021, with Mary saying is this something “I will always be grateful for.”
Mary tells us she has been delighted with the “great support” she has received from family, friends, neighbours and her colleagues in Siro. With an initial goal to raise €1,500 for the worthy cause she has already surpassed her target and she has expressed her gratitude for all those who have contributed to the fundraiser. Donations will still be accepted for another few days at https://www.givengain.com/ap/mary-griffin-raising-funds-for-oesophageal-cancer-fund/

Ireland has one of the highest Oesophageal Cancer rates in Europe and men over the age of 45 are disproportionately affected. Three times more men than women are diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer with approximately 450 new cases every year in Ireland.
Some of the symptoms of Oesophageal Cancer can be easily overlooked. 70% of people have symptoms for 3 months before seeing their GP. Some common symptoms to look out for are:

• Difficulty Swallowing- food sticking or catching after swallowing
• Persistent Acid Indigestion/Heartburn
• Regurgitation or vomiting
• Unexplained Anaemia
• Persistent Hoarseness
• Coughing, burping, belching or hiccups that don’t subside
• Progressive and unplanned weight loss