NORTHSIDERS and Southsiders will come together this weekend for an event in aid of cancer support.
The Torch of Hope Relay, which takes place around Dublin Bay on Sunday, October 21 will see hundreds of people who have been affected by cancer come together for an afternoon of fun, reflection, laughter, tears and great memories.
Organisers are hoping to raise in the region of €65,000 for ARC Cancer Support Centres' vital services which are free.
The Torch of Hope Relay gets underway with separate groups departing simultaneously from two locations at 4.30pm – the Wooden Bridge in Dollymount on the Northside and Blackrock Park on Rock Road on the Southside.
Both groups will converge at Sean O'Casey Bridge over the River Liffey at approximately 6pm, 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 Christy Dignam of Aslan and some surprise celebrity guest appearances.
In 2017, it cost approximately €760,000 to run both of the ARC centres. ARC continues to rely heavily on the continued generosity of the public for the majority of its funding.
ARC provides psychological, psychosocial, emotional and practical support, complementary therapies and counselling services to people affected by cancer and their loved ones.
ARC's services are provided at Eccles Street on the Northside and South Circular Road on the Southside.
Speaking about the event, Tony Ward said there doesn’t seem to be a family in Ireland that hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way.
“I think centres like ARC Cancer Support Centres are so important in helping people with cancer, their partners, their children, and their friends, to get back on their feet,” he said.
“I have seen first-hand the fantastic work that ARC does.
“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."
To register and receive a fundraising pack and sponsorship, phone 01-8307333, email fundraising@arccancersupport.ie, or visit www.arccancersupport.ie/torch-of-hope. The closing date is Friday, October 19.