Whatever people’s reasons for taking
part in the 2013 Solas Centre South East Run for Life, Waterford’s Niamh
Doherty is urging everyone to get running, jogging or walking to simply
celebrate life.
According to Niamh, in an interview
with Beat 102-103’s Gail Conway, it was her experience at last year’s Run for
Life that encouraged her to do it again this year.
“I did the run last year as I was
stuck around the 5km mark and wanted to increase my distance and set myself
some goals. I chose the Solas Run for
Life as I had heard so much about it in previous years and knew it was a really
good cause, so I signed up with some friends.”
“Thankfully
none of my immediate family has had to use the services of the Solas Centre,
but you don’t know what’s around the corner in six days, six weeks or six
months time…cancer is so prevalent,” she added.
Of
the run itself, Niamh said it was an amazing experience. “Everybody was cheering us on; the stewards,
the people at the water stations, there were even kids handing out sweets
around the course. There was music
outside the Solas Centre and a crowd of people clapping and cheering us
on. It was unbelievable and gave us such
a lift when we needed it.”
“However,
the defining moment for me was coming past St. Benilda’s Church on the home
strait and an elderly gentleman was giving all the participants ‘high fives’ as
they passed. It summed up the whole
spirit of the race and the generosity of spirit that is out there on the
streets of Waterford.”
Many
of the participants of this year’s Solas Centre South East Run for Life have
been, in some way, affected by cancer. 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.
Niamh added, "A
friend of mine had battled cancer, and she was less than 50
years of age when she passed away about six weeks before the run. She was in my thoughts throughout the run and at
times when it got difficult I thought of her and asked her to get me through
it. She did!”
“I wasn’t the only one running that day who had someone
to think about and it goes to show how many people get such great use out of
the Solas Centre and what an amazing resource it is for those who need it.”
According to Dr. Brian
Creedon, Chairman South Eastern Cancer Foundation, the public’s continuing support
of the Solas Centre is vital in providing the best regional cancer support
services.
“Niamh did so much last
year to ensure that we can continue to provide cancer support services to the
2,000 people who are diagnosed across the region each and every year. I would urge everyone to think about getting
out, getting fit and running, jogging or walking October’s Run for Life. It’s a fun family day out and the vital funds
will allow us to continue our fight against cancer.”
The Solas Centre is
delighted to welcome new sponsors, Eishtec and acknowledged the continuing
support of Beat 102-103.
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