Solas Centre launches 2014 South East Run for Life in partnership with Datapac

The South East Cancer Foundation / Solas Centre is proud to announce a partnership with Datapac for the 2014 South East Run for Life. 

Speaking at the launch Karen O’Connor, General Manager of Datapac said, “The South East Run for Life is a truly inspiring event to be involved with and it will be a privilege to work with the Solas Centre to ensure the events success.”

The Solas Centre is delighted to partner with Datapac for this year’s event and also acknowledged the continuing support of Beat 102-103.

Now in its seventh year, The Solas Centre South East Run for Life is the highlight of the

South East’s sporting calendar. Almost 2,000 participants and spectators are expected to

participate in this year’s event which takes place on Sunday, October 5^th.

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 represent the 2,000

people diagnosed with cancer across the south east region.

The South Eastern Cancer Foundation’s Solas Centre is a charity 100% reliant on income

raised through fundraising to support its services. Based in a state of the art facility, the

Solas Centre is regarded as one of the leading cancer support facilities in the country. 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.

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

“Our goal is to provide the very best cancer support services to those who have been

diagnosed with cancer. In order to do so we must fundraise. 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.”

If you want to take part in the South East Run for Life 2014 which takes place on Sunday, October 5th, 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

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.

NAS and Solas Centres get heart - wise!

A local company which is the driving force behind the provision of AED and CPR training in the city has teamed up with the Solas Centre, the South East’s cancer support service centre, to provide training in the use of AED (Automated External Defibrillators).

Throughout May NAS Training Centre will deliver a series of free training courses to the Solas Centre on AED instruction and practice along with adult and child CPR.

According to Ray Power, General Manager NAS Training Centre, the importance of AED and CPR skills can never be underestimated.  “In Ireland approximately 10,000 people die each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease, stroke and other circulatory diseases.  Proficiency and knowledge about what to do if this situation ever arises is paramount.”

 “We offered these informative and practical courses to the volunteers, clients and staff at the Solas Centre in order to allow them to deal competently and capably if ever such a situation arises and also because we greatly admire and respect the work of the Solas Centre.”

Ray added, “The course is designed for those with a duty to respond to an emergency in the workplace environment and the participants will learn by practicing all the steps of AED and CPR under the guidance of a qualified instructor.”

Each year 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny.  Since opening its doors at Ardkeen over three years ago, the Solas Centre has provided support services, such as counselling, relaxation therapies and group support services to over 1,000 people affected by cancer and anticipates that the numbers visiting the Centre in 2013 will continue to rise.

Mick Nevin, Manager of the Solas Centre is delighted that the staff and volunteers will undertake such a practical course.  “At the Solas Centre our staff and volunteers receive the highest level of training in all relevant disciplines and we are delighted that NAS invited us to partake on these AED and CPR courses which will give our staff and volunteers the knowledge and skills to deal any cardiac or circulatory emergencies.”

“The philosophy of the Solas Centre is manifold; to provide cancer patients and their families with a safe place to talk things over and to help them cope with living with cancer.  It also will work closely with the hospitals of the region in promoting and supporting patient-focused, cutting-edge cancer research and continues not only to educate people about cancer prevention, but also to change our mindset around cancer,” Mick added.

For further information about courses available at NAS Training Centre call 051 333960 or visit www.nas.ie.  For information about the Solas Centre and the services it provides call 051 304604 or visit www.solascentre.ie

Solas Centre launches the 2011 South East Run for Life… The Next Step

The Solas Centre, the South East’s cancer support service, is calling on all runners, joggers and walkers to get in shape for the Solas Centre South East Run for Life which takes place on Sunday October 16^th in Waterford City. Sponsorship cards are available from the Solas Centre, Sam McCauley stores and AIB branches through out the region.

The organisers are hoping 1,000 people take part in support of the 1,000 who will avail of the Solas Centre in 2012.

The Republic of Ireland and Wolves star Stephen Hunt was delighted to launch the 2011 event, “It is great to be involved with such a good cause that helps so many people through out the South East”.

The Solas Centre, which last year moved from its premises in a small estate house in Waterford to its new state of the art facility in Ardkeen, is now regarded as one of the finest cancer support facilities in the country today.

Built entirely from community fundraising and the generosity of the people of the South East, over €1.5million was raised over three years. The building was designed with ambiance and comfort in mind. There are relaxing therapy rooms and quiet comfortable sitting rooms for a confidential chat or for counselling. The art room is bright and airy and perfect for kids to splash paint or for adults to express themselves through art. The Centre’s assembly room is great for groups to meet and chat.

Iain Munro, SECF Chairman, said “The Solas Centre would not be here if it wasn’t for the generosity and goodwill of the people of the south east. Since April 2008, we have been campaigning to build and fund state of the art cancer support centre that offers excellent services to cancer patients and their families. Frankly, none of this would have been achieved if it wasn’t for the groundswell of support and kindness from the people of the South East.”

“Today the people of the South East can be proud in the knowledge that it is due to their support. Every single cent towards the design, build and running costs came from the endeavours of the Centre’s supporters.”

However the need for fundraising goes on. The event now in its fourth year is changing emphasis from building the Centre to maintaining quality cancer services. It is also expanding its appeal for participants not just from Waterford City but from the whole South East.

Each year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny, 2000 people are diagnosed with cancer. While last year cancer support was provided to 250 the Solas Centre anticipates that it will be able to provide support to 1,000 patients in 2012.

In order to provide the best support services to these cancer patients and their families fundraising continues to be crucial. Iain Munro added “Unfortunately, we can’t afford to rest on our laurels. The need to continue fundraising to support cancer patients is paramount. The 2011 South East Run for Life is a great event that not only supports the work of the Solas Centre but is a great opportunity to get fit and have some fun.”

For further information contact the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the ‘Solas Centre South East Run for Life’ Facebook page.