Laois community group raised astounding figure for local charity

A Laois community group have donated a huge amount to a local charity. 

Fisherstown community group held their annual tractor and truck run recently and raised a whopping €52,659 for Cuisle Cancer Support Centre.

The Cuisle Cancer Support Centre is based in Portlaoise and they provide a comprehensive range of emotional support, survivorship, and rehabilitation services to those living with, through and beyond cancer in our community.

Secretary of the Fishertown group Ciara Noon said: "It started out in 2008 and I became secretary just last year. It is a volunteer run group and just local people coming together to raise funds and support for local cancer charities. We have raised €300,000 since 2008 with this year being our biggest yet. We try to keep it local as people in our locality will be using the services. 

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"On the day there is tractors, trucks, vintage engines and plenty of entertainment for families and children. It is a big family day out and it has gotten quite big in recent years. This years event took place on Sunday, July 7 and it was a massive turnout, it was unbelievable, thee were crowds of people around, it was packed and we were blessed with the weather."

On organising the event, Ciara said: "I took over from Willie Walsh so I had big shoes to fill but it is very fulfilling. It is a massive team effort and everyone's opinion is valued and it wouldn't of come together without the help of the committee members. We started organising in March and the days before the run we would prepare the fields, the sheds and entertainment. There is a lot of work that goes into organising the event behind the scenes."

Speaking on the donation that they raised, Ciara said: "Niall Kavangh, chairperson of the Cuisle Cancer Support Centre came out on our presentation night which took place last Saturday, August 10 and he was shocked and delighted. We gave to them as it is very local and we raised money for them years ago and it was just to keep it local."