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.

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”.

South East Fun for Life – Guaranteed fun for all the family!

The South East Fun for Life Day takes place on Sunday, October 13th 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 full programme of events on the day including bouncy castles, penalty shoot outs with Waterford Utd, go - carting, petting farms and so much more!

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

 

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”.

Wexford’s Janet urges everyone to Run for Life

Janet Whitney from Adamstown, Co. Wexford was diagnosed with cancer three days before Christmas in 2006.  What followed was a lumpectomy, then forty sessions of radiotherapy at Waterford Regional Hospital.  It was a nurse at the hospital who referred Janet to the Solas Centre which gave her “a lifeline.”

In an interview with Beat 102-103’s Zara King, Janet recalls how cancer affected her life.  “After I was diagnosed with cancer I discovered two things; prayer and the Solas Centre.”

“At the time, I was in a state, as anyone would be who had just been diagnosed with cancer, but when the nurse at WRH put me in touch with the Solas Centre, it became my lifeline and helped me so much.”

Of the Solas Centre, Janet says “The Solas Centre was a place where I could be by myself. Obviously when your family and friends hear you are diagnosed with cancer they are devastated for you and for themselves, so the Solas Centre was somewhere I could get the space I needed.”

“When I was travelling daily from Wexford to Waterford for radiotherapy I was desperately lonely, but when I went to the Solas Centre there was someone there to talk to, or not if that’s what I wanted.”

“Whilst the medical system is good and the cancer services are really good, there is nothing in place to help you mentally cope with cancer and that’s where the Solas Centre helped me so much.”

Janet is encouraging anyone who can to take part in the Solas Centre Run for Life which takes place on Sunday, October 13^th.  “By taking part in the Run for Life this year you are going to help someone in a way you may not have thought of before.  For me it provided a neutral space, but it also provided so many great services such as massage and art therapy and I made so many friends there.”

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.

“Cancer has changed my life.  I have reprioritised so many things. I am no longer complacent about the things in my life and I value my family, my work, everything I have and no longer sweat the small stuff anymore” said Janet.

According to Dr. Brian Creedon, Chairman South Eastern Cancer Foundation, people like Janet have made the Solas Centre the haven it is today.

“We are delighted to be in a position to provide the crucial services that make living with cancer easier.  Janet, by availing of the support services at the Solas Centre has discovered that there is a place to go, a place to talk, a place to just be and that’s vital to anyone affected by cancer.”

“However, without the continuing support and generosity of the people from Wexford and the South East, the Solas Centre would not be in a position to provide the best cancer support services to those who have been diagnosed with cancer.”

“So please dust off your runners and if you can run, jog or walk the Run for Life.

All monies raised go directly to the Solas Centre and provide support, counselling and therapy to 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.

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.