Rain couldn’t dampen the South East Run for Life spirits!

 A wonderful day was had by all at the 7^th South East Run for Life.  Waterford City was awash with a sea of orange when almost 900 runners, joggers and walkers took to the streets to complete the 10 mile course finishing in the People’s Park.

This year was no exception as so many amazing supporters took up the Run for Life challenge in support of the Solas Centre and people affected by cancer throughout the South East.  Participants ranged in age from 12 to 76 making this a truly family friendly event.  Although the number of entrants was down on previous years, the atmosphere on the day was electric with supporters lining the route to cheer on the participants and hand out water and oranges.

Despite the unsettled weather, families and friends of the runners came along to join in the fun and activities in the People’s Park at the Fun for Life following the run.

 As part of the Fun for Life, children in 5th and 6th class primary schools in Waterford and Wexford participated in a "Design our T-shirt competition". With over 400 entries, Sean and Miranda Corcoran of the Art Hand Bonmahon had the very difficult task of choosing the winners.  The winner, not only had their entry printed on all the t-shirts worn by volunteers on the day but also won plenty of goodies from Sporthouse.

In first place was Sophie Quinn from Newtown Junior school. Caoilfhinn Harte from Gaelscoil Phortlairge was second and third place went to Eoghan Lawlor, also from Gaelscoil Phortlairge.

Clair Moriarty, Chair of the Run for Life committee thanked the participants, sponsors and volunteers. "The Run for Life and 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 Datapac and our media partners Beat 102 103 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 careers".

If you want to find out more about the services of the Solas Centre visit www.solascentre.ie or on 051 304604.

Solas Centre Run for Life raises €250,000

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.

6th South East Run for Life brings out the crowds!

The 6^th Solas Centre South East Run for Life drew almost 1,700 joggers, walkers and runners from all over the South East.

With the participants setting out from the Quay for the 10 mile route, the fun culminated in the People’s Park with the South East Fun for Life event.

Families of the runners, walkers and joggers were able to enjoy plenty of family entertainment in the People’s Park where there were bouncy castles, children’s races, penalty shoot outs with Waterford United FC, go–karting, a climbing wall, live broadcasts from Beat 102-103 and much more.

The total monies raised for the Solas Centre and the South East Cancer Foundation have yet to be tallied, but the organisers will announce the details in full next week.

Mr. Jonathan Earl, Chairman of the Run for Life committee was delighted with the event, “The annual South East Run for Life has become the highlight of the region’s sporting calendar and 2013 was no exception.” 

“The level of participation and involvement from the runners and walkers was fantastic.  The atmosphere around the route was invigorating and the work and dedication from the massive volunteer crew was wonderful, with everyone so  giving of their time, energy and ideas.”

Mr. Earl added, “All funds raised will go towards the Solas Centre.  It goes without saying that the generosity and goodwill of all those who participated will go towards ensuring that the Solas Centre can continue to provide the best cancer support services for those affected by cancer, their families and their carers.”

For further information about the Solas Centre and the cancer support services it provides check out www.solascentre.ie or call 051 304604.

Clonmel’s Aisling sets her Run for Life goal!

Aisling Fiuza is an extraordinary 18 year old girl from Clonmel who has set her sights on completing the Solas Centre South East Run for Life on Sunday, October 13^th.

Her knowledge of the Solas Centre and the cancer services it provides comes from her dad, who has connections with the support centre.

According to Aisling, in an interview with Beat 102-103’s Gail Conway, she has always been amazed by the positivity at the Solas Centre.  “From the stories I have heard from people who use the services at the centre there is inspiration and hope in all of them.  You can only be amazed when you hear about how strong those affected by cancer are and how they cope so positively.”

“Everybody has been affected by cancer and I’ve learned that support is crucial to help anyone through it…the support of family, friends and places like the Solas Centre seem to make it easier to cope.”

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, Aisling took part in the 10 mile race and, with her school, raised over €750 for the Solas Centre.  “The atmosphere on the day was amazing and really influenced my decision to do the race again this year. In fact, you couldn’t stop me, even if you tried”, said Aisling.

Aisling is happy to offer advice to anyone who is considering taking part in this October’s Run for Life.  “The ten mile run is not too bad.  I’m fairly active anyway, but this year I have been training more actively than ever.  I’d suggest anyone interested in taking part should keep motivated, stick with it, don’t give up and keep the end goal in sight.  It will be worth it in the end!”

  

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 Aisling.

“Aisling, through her Dad’s involvement in the Solas Centre, is very aware of the breadth of services we provide to those affected by cancer in the South East.  We will continue to promote the development of the region’s cancer support services, by rolling out a series of health and education initiatives, client programmes, art programmes, support groups, and counselling for cancer patients and their families.  This can only be done with the continuing support of those in Tipperary and the South East.”

The Solas Centre is delighted to welcome on board this year’s new race sponsors, Eishtec and acknowledge 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.

Niamh sets herself Solas goal!

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.

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

Carlow’s Liam counting down to Run for Life!

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.

Solas Centre launches 2013 South East Run for Life

2012 saw almost 2,000 runners, walkers and joggers raise a staggering €286,000 for the Solas Centre and 2013 promises to be even bigger and better!

It’s time to get active and run for life once more. That is the call from the organisers of the Solas Centre South East Run for Life this week as they announced details of the 2013 event which takes place on Sunday October 13th.

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.

The sixth annual South East Run for Life has become the highlight of the region’s sporting calendar and all funds raised will go towards the Solas Centre, which provides cancer support services for those affected by cancer, their families and their carers.

The Solas Centre moved to its state of the art facility at Williamstown, Waterford 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 psychotherapy therapy, message, reflexology and support groups provided by highly trained individuals in a professional manner.

According to Dr. Brian Creedon, Chairman South Eastern Cancer Foundation, the success of the Solas Centre is down to the generosity and support of the people of the South East.

“Our goal is and will always remain to provide the best cancer support services to those who have been diagnosed with cancer.  In order to do so we must keep fundaising and the South East Run for Life is a wonderful way for participants to get out, get fit, have fun and raise money for a good cause.”

Dr. Creedon added “We are delighted to have support from a dedicated team of volunteers in co-ordinating and organising the run, along with sponsorship from Eishtec and Beat 102-103, two great regional companies, which have done so much to support our cause.”

If you want to do your bit and take part in this year’s South East Run For Life, 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.