Get involved in Relay for Life

INDEPENDENT councillor, Deirdre Donnelly, is asking the public to get involved in this year’s Relay for Life, which will takes place on July 2 and 3 in Blackrock Park.

Relay for Life Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is a 24-hour family event held annually in Blackrock to raise vital funds to support the work of the Irish Cancer Society in the community.

“At the heart of each Relay for Life event, teams of friends, neighbours, families and colleagues come together in groups and commit to keeping participants walking around a track or path (Relay for Life Dun Laoghaire Rathdown’s track is the pathway around the pond) for 24 hours,” Cllr Donnelly explained.

“Lots of other activities and entertainment take place throughout the 24 hours to create a wonderfully festive atmosphere. I took part for the first time last year and am really looking forward to getting involved again this year.”

Organiser Maureen Gibson described the Relay for Life event in more detail.

“It starts with a cancer survivor’s lap of honour,” she said.

“Cancer can leave a lot of pain and heartache in its wake, however, it can inspire people to come together and do some wonderful things. In 2015 we added our ‘Bark for Life’ lap where owners brought their canine friends along to join in one of our laps.

“This was extremely successful with over 25 dogs taking part. Once again we will have ‘Bark For Life’ at 3pm on July 2.

“We will also be holding a purple balloon release to close our Relay on Sunday at 1pm. Relay for Life events are organised completely by communities so that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and in the hope that one day cancer will be eliminated. 

“At sunset we hold a Candle of Hope Ceremony,” Ms Gibson added. “This is a very emotional ceremony which is followed by a silent lap of honour, remembering those who we have lost. Everyone gets involved in putting a message on their candle bag – some are very ornate and some simply say “miss you”.  This year, once again, we hope light 1000 candle bags in remembrance.”

If you would like to get involved text your name and number to 0872469475 and a committee member will contact you directly.