AS WE face into a second summer of restricted events, Relay for Life Ennis won’t let a pandemic stop them from keeping up the fight against cancer.
Instead of gathering at Tim Smythe Park, Relay for Life Ennis will be gathering virtually again this year to help raise awareness and needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society.
Auriol Considine, Relay for Life Ennis Chairperson, said: “Relay for Life Ennis has grown into an important community event, and we didn’t want that community spirit to lose momentum. We are challenging teams to collectively walk 240kms by June 19 sticking with the 24 [hour] theme of the actual event. We have some other enthusiastic teams that have decided to do their own events such as hiking Mullaghmore and Carrauntoohill or running in Lahinch. We’re thrilled with whatever way people want to get involved as it all helps to raise awareness and builds community spirit which is at the heart of Relay for Life.
“We are also premiering interviews with local people who have been impacted by cancer on our Facebook page. We hope that other patients, survivors and their families will get some comfort from hearing similar stories and know they are not alone in their journey.”
The Irish Cancer Society has increased its services for cancer patients and their families during this global pandemic. Hence, fundraisers, like this, are essential to continue this support. Funds raised by Relay for Life helps to provide volunteer drivers to bring patients to chemotherapy, night nurse care, family supports and end of life care.
In 2020, Relay for Life Ennis virtual event raised €30,100 to support these amazing services.
A unique and vital element of every Relay For Life is the Candle of Hope ceremony where decorated candle bags with personal messages light during an emotional ceremony. This year anyone can participate in the ‘Hope from Home’ ceremony on June 19 at 9pm live Facebook event as a symbol that we are not alone in the fight against cancer.
Candle bags can be purchased online and a message left on the virtual Relay for Life Ennis candle bag wall. Alternatively, bags can be from Cootes Shop & Bakery, Clare Hire and Sales and Clarecastle Pharmacy. Send a picture of your decorated bag lighting or drop back to Coote’s Shop so bags can be included in the lighting ceremony on the June 19.
“We are blown away by the enthusiasm from businesses and entertainers that have supported the event in the past. This is truly a community event where we can come together united against cancer to celebrate life, remember loved ones lost to the disease, and Fight Back against cancer by raising awareness about cancer prevention,” concluded Auriol.
For more information and to join the event on Saturday 19th June, visit the Relay for Life Ennis Facebook and Instagram pages.
More details are available on the Relay For Life Ennis Just Giving page Justgiving.com/campaign/RelayForLife-Ennis.
Anyone with questions about cancer, either a patient or a family member, call the Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700.