Carlow man recounts impact of cancer on family
When
Liam’s brother, Joe, died at the age of 46 from cancer, the impact was
devastating. At the time, Liam was living in England and after Joe’s death, he felt
adrift with nowhere to go for support.
14
years later Liam will participate in the Solas Centre’s South East Run for Life
in order to ensure that any family touched by cancer as he was can avail of the
cancer support services from the Solas Centre.
According
to Liam, in an interview with Beat 102-103’s Gail Conway, the funds raised from
the sixth annual South East Run for Life will go a long way to benefit those
who are affected by cancer and their immediate families.
“After
we lost Joe I felt as if I had lost my right arm”, Liam said. “When he was diagnosed with cancer it came as
a complete bolt out of the blue. Up to
that point, cancer was always someone else’s problem, but now it was ours,
deeply affecting the family as a whole and Joe’s children in particular.”
“It’s
not just someone else’s problem, it affects so many families every day. My initial reaction when Joe was ill was to
pedal like mad to find out as much about cancer as I could. But sometimes your initial reaction is just
too late. There is no getting away from
the fact that so many people are affected by cancer and I just want to try to
do as much as I can to help the Solas Centre cancer support services for those
with cancer and their families”, Liam added.
Every year across
Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny 2,000 people are diagnosed
with cancer. That is why the organisers are hoping to garner the support of at
least 2,000 participants to take part in aid of the Solas Centre.
Last year Liam raised
over €1,500 for the Solas Centre’s South East Run for Life with great support
from his colleagues at Lisduggan Credit Union, friends and family and this year
he is as determined to take part in the 10 mile road race.
“Running
and exercise, in general are of great benefit to relieve stress, which I feel
was a prime cause of cancer in Joe’s case. That is why I would urge as many
people as possible to run, jog or walk the Solas Centre Run for Life in
October.”
According to Dr. Brian
Creedon, Chairman South Eastern Cancer Foundation, the success of the Solas
Centre is down to the generosity and support of people like Liam.
“Liam was a great
contributer last year raising over €1,500 for the Solas Centre, which goes a
long way to ensuring we provide the best cancer support services to those who
have been diagnosed with cancer.”
“I would urge everyone to
think about getting out, getting fit and running, jogging or walking October’s
Run for Life. Funds are vital in order
for the Solas Centre to provide the best support services for the 2,000 people
who are diagnosed across the region each and every year.”
The Solas Centre is delighted
to welcome new sponsors, Eishtec and acknowledged the continuing support of
Beat 102-103.
If you want to take part
in this year’s South East Run For Life, which takes place on Sunday, October
13th, sponsorship cards are available from the Solas Centre at Williamstown,
Waterford or you can visit www.solascentre.ie, Beat 102
103 studios and AIB branches.
For further information contact the Solas
Centre on 051 304604 or check out the ‘Solas Centre South East Run for Life’
Facebook page.
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