An afternoon of Fun for Life !

Last year's winner of the T-Shirt design competition -  Eoin Moran

The South East Fun for Life takes place on Sunday, October 5^th in the People’s Park, Waterford.  It’s guaranteed to be a jam-packed family fun day and all for a great cause, the South East Cancer Foundation.

There is a full programme of events on the day including bouncy castles, climbing walls, rodeo bull, balloon modeling, kids races, Waterford United Penalty Shoot Out, along with a farmer’s market and much more.  The People’s Park will also be home to the finish line of the Solas Centre South East Run for Life and Beat 102 103 will be broadcasting live from the event.

All volunteers in the Park on the day will be wearing the winning design of this years T-Shirt competition sponsored by Datapac. The competition was open to 5^th and 6^th Class students throughout Waterford and Wexford with the winning design chosen by Sean Corcoran of The Art Hand.  Not only will the winner see their design being worn throughout the Park on the Day but they will also receive a Sporthouse School Bag full of goodies along with a trip to Hasbro Toy Factory for their entire class.  Two runners up will also receive Sporthouse School Bags.  All entries will be displayed in the Park so come along and see these fabulous fun designs.  

The Fun for Life is the family-centric part of the day as the Solas Centre South  Run for Life gets under way that day on the Quay at 12.30.  Thousands of runners, walkers and joggers are expected to complete the 10 mile course and finish in the People’s Park.

According to Clair Moriarty, South East Run for Life Committee Chair, the Fun for Life was created to ensure the participants in the South East Run for Life, their families and friends can all enjoy a great day for a great cause.

“We are hoping to increase on last years numbers with participants coming from all over the South East, so we want to ensure that their families and friends are well looked after and entertained while the runners undertake the more taxing 10 mile run.”

However, Clair added the Fun for Life is for everyone and wants to encourage as many people to come along and enjoy the teeming fun line up.

“The entertainment is guaranteed to appeal to all ages.  Beat 102-103 will be broadcasting live from the People’s Park, there will be face painters, bouncy castles and a rodeo bull.  The Farmers Market will also be there with a wide and tasty selection of fresh artisan treats and refreshments.”

The event is organised by Ian Power of Sporthouse, who were thrilled to be involved with the Solas Centre Fun for Life in aid of the South East Cancer Foundation, which is such a deserving cause.

So this weekend, whether you’re participating in the Solas Centre South East Run for Life or you just want to enjoy a few hours of great family fun you won’t want to miss the Fun for Life Day at the People’s Park, Waterford on Sunday, October 5th from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

For more information on the Fun for Life Day call the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the Facebook page “Solas Centre South East Run for Life”.

Solas Centre South East Run for Life – looking for fundraising inspiration?

September is here, the kids are back to school and the South East Run for Life is less than a month away.

The annual 10 mile run, which takes place on Sunday, October 5^th,  is a week earlier this year, so that means a week less for training and a week less for fundraising.

The South East Run for Life differs from other events because, while it does not have a registration fee, it is a fundraising event for the South East Cancer Foundation and the more money raised, the more people and families affected by cancer can avail of the cancer support services at the Solas Centre.

As a registered charity, 100% reliant on donations, it is the generosity and commitment of the people of the South East that enables the South Eastern Cancer Foundation to continue and further improve the services it provides to those affected by cancer.

Claire Moriarty, Chair of the SERFL committee, is urging those who intend to partake in the 10 mile run to pick up sponsorship cards and start fundraising today.  “While the run does not have a registration fee, there is a cost to organise this event and that is why the fundraising effort is critical to the Centre’s continued success.”

“We are looking forward to seeing some fun, quirky, and just plain mad fundraising events over the coming weeks.”

“There are loads of tried and tested fundraising ideas that work so well for charities, but we have been warmly encouraged by many of our supporters who are raising funds through fun events.”

According to Claire, “Bank of Ireland Lisduggan will hold a Solas Centre Orange Day this month.  The branch will be decorated in a sea of orange, the staff will wear orange on the day and will be selling orange cupcakes in an attempt to fundraise for the Solas Centre.”
“The Sportif Cycling Club has organised a 200km cycle in the aid of the Solas Centre and we have been told that Book Clubs throughout the South East will hold fundraising events to raise money for the event.”

If you are taking part in the South East Run for Life on Sunday, October 5^th and are looking for some fundraising inspiration, you could try some of these:

·         Offer to walk neighbours/friends dog for a fee while training!

·         Organise lunch time walks – pay as you go!

·         Raise money by organising a training group with friends

·         Host a South East Run For Life pre event; BBQ/Lunch/Coffee Morning

·         Organise fun events with family and friends before the event e.g. egg and spoon race,         mini-  mini marathon around the estate/local area etc. 

·         Talks and demonstrations – e.g. book readings, cookery demonstrations

·         Sell unwanted gifts or clutter

Every year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer.  This year the Solas Centre aims to have 2,000 sponsored participants run, jog or walk the 10 mile route; that’s one runner, to match every person diagnosed.

The centre is a haven for those affected by cancer, where they can avail of confidential, informal and free support services such as counselling, psychotherapy therapy, massage, reflexology and support groups provided by highly trained individuals in a professional manner.

Sponsorship cards are available to download at www.solascentre.ie, or can be collected from the Solas Centre at Williamstown, Waterford.  Alternatively you can visit Beat 102 103 studios or 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 or Twitter @solascentre

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.

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.