Dubs urged to hold onto Torch of Hope

PEOPLE across Dublin are being urged to take part in a Torch of Hope Relay to help raise money for ARC Cancer Support Centres, a group which operates two drop-in centres, each located on the capital’s Northside and Southside.

The event, which takes place around Dublin Bay on Sunday, October 9, will see hundreds of people who have been affected by cancer come together for an afternoon of fun, reflection, laughter, tears, and great memories.

The ARC Cancer Support Centres are affiliated to the Irish Cancer Society and they provide complementary therapy, psychological support and counselling services to people with cancer and their loved ones completely free of charge. 

ARC works to improve people’s quality of life and psycho-social well-being through a range of practical and emotional supports. 

There has been a huge growth in demand for ARC services in recent years, with the number of people coming through its doors up 36 per cent in 2015.

Organisers are hoping to raise in the region of €60,000 from the Torch of Hope Relay in October.

Mairead Mangan, Head of Fundraising with ARC Cancer Support Centres, is hoping lots of people will turn out on the day to show their support.

She said: “There are more and more people surviving cancer in Ireland than ever before and the trend, thankfully, is continuing upward.

“We need as much support as possible to help us to meet this growing demand by people signing up to take part or sponsoring those who are.”

Charlie Kelly, star of the hit TV series ‘Vikings’ and David Crowley, of TV3’s award-winning ‘Red Rock’, are teaming up to lend their backing to an event which celebrates life and remembers those loved ones lost to cancer.

Kelly is encouraging people to get out and join in the Torch of Hope Relay and to show solidarity with people affected by cancer.

“There is not a family in Ireland which has not been touched by cancer in some way,” he said,  “I have seen the fantastic work that ARC does and so I would encourage everyone to sign up.

“Not only will you get to see Dublin up close and personal, but you will also get to share in an unforgettable experience.” 

The ARC Cancer Support Centres’ Torch of Hope Relay gets underway on Sunday, October 9 with separate groups departing simultaneously from two locations at 5pm at the Wooden Bridge in Dollymount on the Northside, and Blackrock Park on the Rock Road on the Southside. 

Both groups will converge at the Sean O’Casey Bridge over Dublin’s River Liffey at approximately 6.30pm, before a Survivors’ Celebration Lap to the nearby chq Building, where the Torch of Hope cauldron will be lit and the closing ceremony held.

This will be followed by a fantastic evening of entertainment, including a special musical treat from singer Christy Dignam of Aslan and some surprise guests

The walk is suitable for all fitness levels with people able to join in at any point that best suits them along the route. If you can’t join in on the walk, people are asked come along to cheer.

The closing date for entry is Friday, October 7. To register and receive a fundraising pack and sponsorship card telephone 01 8307333, email [email protected], or visit www.arccancersupport.ie/torch-of-hope. 

REPORT: Brein McGinn