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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘I miss her every day', says Irish rugby star on losing mum to cancer when 12 as he backs event ‘very close to heart'
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. Advertisement 2 Relay For Life events are one of the Irish Cancer Society's primary ways of fundraising Credit: INPHO/Dan Sheridan 2 Andrew Porter is 'delighted' it's being brought to Kilternan for the first time Credit: INPHO/Dan Sheridan 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. Advertisement Read More On Irish Sport Leinster and Ireland prop Porter - The 29-year-old 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. Advertisement Most read in Rugby Union "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. 'Pierre loving retirement' - Peter O'Mahony's wife teases Ireland legend as kids run amok in cute snap '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. Advertisement "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. Advertisement '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 Independent
06-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘Most people have been affected by cancer … Relay for Life is a great way to support each other'
Hollie Maxwell (28) was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was just six years old, and finished chemotherapy just before her First Communion. She is urging others to join the Relay for Life in Corkagh Park on May 31, as it 'is a great way for us to support each other – there's a great sense of community'. Participants team up and take it in turns to walk through the day and night, with someone always on the move during the 24-hour period. A key feature of every Relay for Life is the survivors' lap, where cancer survivors who have lived or are living with cancer are invited to open the event. Ms Maxwell is sharing her cancer experience to encourage others to take part and to show there is hope after a cancer diagnosis. 'Most people have been affected by cancer, and I think Relay for Life is a great way for us to support each other – there's a great sense of community,' she said. 'I went to my first Relay for Life in 2016. It felt really amazing, and it was very emotional. 'It was really nice to meet other survivors and hear their stories. Especially other young people, I don't really meet other young cancer survivors in my day-to-day life. 'The money raised goes to the Irish Cancer Society's services, which supports people affected by cancer and their families. 'It also helps to fund groundbreaking cancer research. It makes such a big difference to so many people. ADVERTISEMENT 'One in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, so it's so important to get behind fundraisers like Relay for Life so these vital services can continue. 'I'd encourage everyone to get involved in their local Relay for Life, or to consider setting one up in their own area if they don't already have one. 'It's a deeply meaningful event for both cancer survivors and people who have lost loved ones to cancer, which brings communities across Ireland together, all for an amazing cause that truly makes a difference.' One of the main highlights of the Relay for Life event is the Candle of Hope ceremony. Thousands of candle bags, personalised with messages of hope and remembrance, are lit in celebration of cancer survivorship and to honour loved ones lost to cancer. The funds raised 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. Sinead Gillespie, Head of Fundraising at the Irish Cancer Society, said: '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 returned to South County Dublin this year, giving people in the area the opportunity to remember their loved ones and celebrate survivors within their community.' Registration for the 24-hour event is now open. You can register a team or buy a candle bag to be displayed as part of the Candle of Hope ceremony here.
