A weekend of tears and laughter at Laois Relay for Life
Crowds gather for 24-hour cancer fundraiser at beautiful Emo Court
Relay for Life Laois returned to Emo Court and Parklands for a weekend filled with laughter, tears, stories, and catch-ups on Saturday, August 8.
The 24-hour fundraising initiative by the Irish Cancer Society runs in many counties across the country and is a commemorative and celebratory day for everyone in the community who has been impacted by cancer.
The entire community was invited along to take part either through joining the walk, donating or showing their support to the teams.
Cancer survivors kicked off the first lap of the 24-hour walk before being treated to an afternoon tea on the lawns at Emo Court.
Speaking after the event an organiser said: “This is a 24 hour, fundraising event for the Irish Cancer Society to help support local services such as night nurses and volunteer drivers.
“There was a fabulous crowd at the event. The beautiful weekend was filled with laughter, tears, stories, and catch-ups. The cancer survivors did the first lap, and then they were brought over for afternoon tea and treatments.
“The teams continued walking for twenty-four hours and had raffles at their tents. The Candle of Hope ceremony at dusk drew in a very large crowd, and the poems and songs at the ceremony were very moving. The songs were beautifully sung by the Stradbally Community Choir.
“Hundreds of candle bags lined the walk and track in memory of people who have passed from cancer, those who are currently going through treatments, and those that have won their battle. When they were lit up at nighttime, it was just absolutely gorgeous.”
The candle bags were decorated and many had photos of people who have passed away from cancer.
“It was just so busy out there at the weekend. The teams were doing loads of fundraisers, and the total raised for the Irish Cancer Society is still growing, with the final figure to be revealed shortly,” concluded the organiser.
Relay for Life Laois has raised an impressive €120,000 since it first began in 2022. It is hoped that the fundraiser will hit the €150,000 mark this year.
Walkers and attendees were entertained by live music with entertainment provided by the local community including line dancers and Irish dancers.
The organising committee said there was a broad spectrum of fundraising events on the day, with teams hosting cake sales, raffles and carnival games. A lot of smaller fundraising events were held ahead of the event with collections at supermarkets and table quizzes.
Ten teams took part in this year’s event, including Mountmellick Community School, Team Teresa, Cancer Slayers, Frank & Walkers, Mountmellick Macra, Sue’s Crew, Dad’s Team, The Warriors Club, Cuimhin Linn and Tommy Delaney Fitness Tribe.
Laois’ very own Lee Fitzpatrick, the U20s Ireland Rugby player, also joined this year’s walk to show his support for the cause.
The funds raised by the teams go towards services provided locally by the Irish Cancer Society such as night nurses, volunteer drivers and counselling services.
The money from last year’s fundraiser in Laois helped fund 259 nights of night nursing, 477 free lifts to bring 54 patients to and from cancer treatment and 363 free counselling sessions for those affected by cancer in County Laois.