IRISH rugby ace Andrew Porter is calling on people around south Dublin and Wicklow to take part in Relay For Life Kilternan.
Relay For Life, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, is a 24-hour event, bringing local communities together to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who have been lost to cancer.
Relay For Life events are one of the Irish Cancer Society’s primary ways of fundraising[/caption]
Andrew Porter is ‘delighted’ it’s being brought to Kilternan for the first time[/caption]
Taking place in the grounds of Kilternan Parish from 1pm on June 20, Relay For Life Kilternan will see teams take turns cycling on static bikes to raise vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society.
The event will also feature a moving Candle of Hope ceremony, where candle bags that have been personalised with messages of hope and remembrance are lit in celebration of cancer survivorship and to honour loved ones lost to cancer.
The uplifting Relay For Life event also features entertainment and fun for all the family.
The funds raised at Relay For Life are essential to enable the Irish Cancer Society to provide free, vital support services to people affected by cancer across Ireland and to fund groundbreaking cancer research.
Leinster and Ireland prop Porter – recently selected to go on his second British and Irish Lions Tour – spoke about why he felt compelled to throw his weight behind the fundraiser.
The 29-year-old continues to be a passionate advocate for the Irish Cancer Society, with his mother having died from the illness when he was only 12.
He underlined: “Relay For Life is such a powerful, uplifting and moving event and I’m delighted that it’s being brought to Kilternan for the first time this year.
“Like many people across the country, cancer has affected my family, as I lost my mum Wendy to breast cancer when I was 12.
“I miss her every day, but I am proud to be able to use my voice to encourage others to support a charity that is very close to my heart. I know she would be very proud.
“Relay For Life gives everyone affected by cancer the opportunity to come together to support each other, remember loved ones, and to celebrate cancer survivors.
“You can show your support for people affected by cancer by supporting the teams who will take turns on the static bikes that we will have at Relay For Life Kilternan, or by purchasing a candle bag for the Candle of Hope ceremony.
“You can also come along on the day to soak up the uplifting atmosphere and donate.
“Your support will make a real difference to people affected by cancer. Hope to see you there!”
‘GENEROUS SUPPORT’
Sinead Gillespie, Head of Fundraising at the Irish Cancer Society, was also on hand to hail the widespread public support events nationwide always receive.
She remarked: “People across the country have always enthusiastically supported Relay For Life.
“In doing so they generously support the vital services provided by the Irish Cancer Society to ensure that no one in Ireland has to face cancer alone.
“We’re delighted that Relay for Life has been brought to Kilternan for the first time this year.
“It will give people in the area the opportunity to remember their loved ones and celebrate survivors within their community.”
To buy a candle bag to be displayed as part of the Candle of Hope ceremony, or to find out more information about Relay For Life Kilternan, visit the Irish Cancer Society website here.
