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| The Art Therapy Room at the Solas Centre |
2013
saw almost 1,700 participants raise a staggering €250,000 for the Solas Centre
which will go towards providing the best cancer support services to those
affected by cancer across the South East.
The sixth annual South
East Run for Life, which took place on October 13th was one of the highlights
of the region’s sporting calendar. The
10 mile route was awash with the Solas Centre’s trademark orange T- shirts as
runners, joggers and walkers took to the streets of Waterford to support this
worthy cause.
The Solas Centre moved to
its state of the art facility at Williamstown almost three years ago and is now
regarded as the leading cancer support facility in the country. The centre is a
haven for those affected by cancer who can avail of confidential, informal and
free support services such as counselling, art therapy psychotherapy, message,
reflexology and support groups provided by highly trained individuals in a
professional manner.
Dr. Brian Creedon, Chairman, South Eastern Cancer
Foundation, was delighted with the support of the people of the South
East. “Each year we try to improve the
access to and the services provided by the Solas Centre.”
“In 2013 we will conduct
over 6,000 individual client sessions and we will see 540 clients utilise the
services, representing an increase of 15% since 2012. That is why the funds raised from the Run for
Life are crucial in enabling us to do so.
The running costs for the centre are just over €425,000 each year and
without the fantastic generosity, support and goodwill of the public there
would be no Solas Centre.”
The Solas Centre employs
4 staff, has 30 counsellors and therapists, 5 individuals from community
employment / work placement schemes and is supported by 42 volunteers,
providing a wide range of cancer support services including a series of health and
education initiatives, client programmes, art programmes, support groups, and
counselling for cancer patients and their families. The Solas Centre is currently focusing on
nurturing partnerships with national and international institutions in order to
ensure our clients in the South East have access to and choice of services.
Dr,
Creedon added “We are indebted to the people of the South East for showing the
Centre such unwavering support and we are determined to continue to ensure the
Solas Centre is the finest cancer support facility in the country.”
Mr.
Jonathan Earl, Chair of the Run for Life committee also thanked the participants,
sponsors and volunteers. “The Run for
Life and the family event which followed, the Fun for Life, would not have been
a success without the support of the huge team of volunteers who ensured it
went without a hitch, the generosity of our sponsors and media partners and, of
course, every single person who took part in the Run for Life. Every cent raised will go towards ensuring
that the Solas Centre can continue to provide its support services to those
affected by cancer, their families and their carers.”
If you want to find out more about the services of the
Solas Centre visit www.solascentre.ie
or on 051 304604.
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