Templeogue’s May Ryan is named Local Hero

MAY Ryan from Templeogue has been named Woman’s Way Local Hero for her tireless work over the past two decades with the Irish Cancer Society.

May initially started volunteering following her own fight with cancer and joined them as a Reach to Recovery volunteer.

“I joined them as a Reach to Recovery volunteer in 1985,

? she recalled.

“I had just had surgery and the Irish Cancer Society had advertised for people to train as support for people dealing with breast cancer.

?

May initially joined as a volunteer but soon got involved in the fundraising side of things.

“The very first fundraiser I organised was in the Cancer Society’s boardroom. It was a Christmas fair and it was the first time they had something like that.

?

She was also involved from the beginning in one of the biggest fundraising days in Ireland, Daffodil Day.

“The thing I would say to people safe from cancer and those going through treatment is to see the daffodils and watch them growing,

? she added.

“There’s just something about the daffodil that caught my imagination. The daffodil is a symbol of hope.

?

Volunteering for May has given her back as much as she has helped others.

“Everything I gave in I got back threefold,

? she explained.

“I often say breast cancer for me was a very positive thing because I got involved in situations and got to see places and meet people I would never have met.

?

Read her full interview in Woman’s Way on sale now for only e1.39.