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.
