Walk for your Dad on Father’s Day

THIS Father’s Day (June 16), families all over Ireland are being encouraged to get on their walking shoes for a Men Against Cancer walk.

Men Against Cancer (MAC), a support group for men with prostate cancer, is hosting

‘Do it for Dad’, its annual 5k fundraising walk this Sunday in Clontarf.

MAC is calling on the families and friends of those affected by the disease nationwide to join the fundraising effort in the hope of raising e5k for its Information and Peer-to-Peer Support Services.

The group is also aiming to create the nation’s largest Father’s Day card, capturing special messages for Dad at the finish line.

Over 3,000 men are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer in Ireland each year and, after skin cancer, it is the leading cause of cancer in men.

Legendary Gaelic games commentator, Mícheál Ã? Muircheartaigh, said MAC’s support services were an incredible source of hope for hundreds of men living with prostate cancer, especially those who find it extremely difficult to talk openly about it with family and friends.

“I would encourage everyone to join MAC on Father’s Day at 12.30pm in Clontarf for the 5k walk, and if you can’t make it, simply help raise funds by downloading a sponsorship card or make a donation,

? said Mr Ã? Muircheartaigh.

MAC is run by volunteers who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Their mission is to raise awareness of the disease and to provide men and their families and friends with information, advice and emotional support from time of diagnosis and for as long as it is needed.

This year MAC hopes to increase its membership and use the proceeds of the walk to expand its information and support services.

Speaking about the

‘Do it for Dad’ walk, John Dowling, chairman of Men Against Cancer, said:

‘We are still a relatively small group and the funds raised by our annual walk help us to provide much-needed support and advice to those diagnosed with prostate cancer, as well as their families,

? stated Mr Dowling.

“These services give men peace of mind by reassuring them that there is life after a positive diagnosis, and that advanced treatment options are available to treat the disease and improve quality of life.

?

This year’s

‘Do it for Dad’ campaign is supported by Janssen, pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson.

The walk will start at the car park at Clontarf DART Station at 12.30pm on Sunday June 16 and will end at Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club.

To join, participants can visit the Men Against Cancer Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Men-Against-Cancer-Ireland to download a sponsorship card.

No prior registration is required and anyone wishing to join the walk is welcome to come along on the day. Those wishing to make a donation – no matter how big or small – can contact MAC directly at macireland.webs.com