Monday, October 22, 2012

An amazing figure for the Solas Centre! €280,000 raised from the South East Run for Life 2012


Not only was the amount of participants up on last year, the final figure of €280,000 from the 2012 South East Run for Life eclipsed previous year’s totals. The 2012 race expanded on its regional focus with over a third of the participants travelling from outside Waterford City. Runners and walkers came from as many as fifteen counties with two travelling from the USA.

Jonathan Earl, Chair of the voluntary organising committee was thrilled at the end of the race day, “From the committee’s point of view it was great to raise such a fantastic sum of money. So much work went on behind the scenes, I was particularly pleased that the day went off without a hitch and everyone finished the race safely. With such increased numbers, organisation, stewarding, safety and medical facilities were a priority.”

“For the six months it took to organise this event the people of the South East and the organising committee have been so generous with their time and talent. I’m extremely proud of the day and the people of the South East, and would like to thank the hundreds who helped to make the day such a success”, he added.

The Solas Centre was built entirely from community fundraising and the generosity of the people of the South East who raised over €1.5 million in just three years. It moved from its original premises in a small estate house in Waterford to its new state of the art facility in Ardkeen, which is now regarded as one of the finest cancer support facilities in the country today.

Brian Creedon, SECF Chairman was delighted with the day, "I would like to express my admiration and appreciation to all those who contributed to the South East Run for Life 2012 last Sunday. We were blessed with a beautiful sunny autumnal day, perfect conditions for completing a 10 mile course on foot. It was truly inspiring to meet participants afterwards and see their sense of accomplishment. It is important to realise that so many people were vital to making this event a success; the brave participants, their friends and families who provided encouragement to everyone on the course and at the Peoples Park, the communities who cheered on the participants (including the man dressed as a chicken on the Williamstown Road), the volunteers, local businesses, Civil Defence, the Gardai and many more. Without all of these people contributing, the event would simply not have been possible.

The money raised allows us to continue to provide the highest quality essential support services to those affected by cancer through out the south east.

Again, a big thank you from everyone at the South Eastern Cancer Foundation/Solas Centre and we look forward to seeing you all next year for Run For Life 2013."

Plans for the 2013 South East Run for Life have already started. In fact the Solas Centre is hoping next year’s event on October 13th will be part of ‘The Gathering’ and is asking anyone living abroad with links to the South East to come home that weekend and take part in the 6th South East Run for Life.

If you participated in this year’s event and have any ideas or suggestions for next year’s race the team at the Solas Centre would be delighted to hear from you. Simply call into the Solas Centre at Ardkeen in Waterford City or write to them with your thoughts and suggestions. You can also call (051) 304604, email info@solascentre.ie or find them on Facebook.




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