Latest news with #HopeCancerSupportCentre
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Wexford vintage club raise much needed funds for local community
The tractor run was held on Sunday, May 11 by the Oylegate Vintage Club who are well known for doing what they can for voluntary services within the community who greatly need the assistance. The recipients of the €2,100 cheque were Blood Bikes South East, a voluntary service based in New Ross that transports blood, x-rays and other essential medical documentation and supplies as support. Founded in 2020, Blood Bikes South East is an out-of-hours medical transport service that directly services hospitals and their community across the South East, while linking up with other blood bike groups to provide a nationwide service. As such, the chairman Henry Cosgrave said were eager to give a helping hand. "They are an entirely voluntary service and are a great group. They do what they can to make up for shortfalls for these medical transports because if blood is needed, there has to be a way to get it there,' he explained. "They are also looking for a new premises,' he added. They also previously donated a cheque of €1,142 to the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy following a very successful auto-jumble. It is key for the members that the money they raise goes right back into the community to benefit local initiatives and organisations. "It is very important that it is local to the county and to keep the money local. It is nice for the people attending these events and supporting us to see exactly where their money is going,' he said. The next event on the calendar for the club is their highly-anticipated annual Light Up tractor run in aid of Pieta which will be taking place on Saturday, December 6 around 6 a.m. with more details to follow.
RTÉ News
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Dip in the Nip: What a naked swim taught me about body image
Tara Povey writes about taking part in the Dip in the Nip, a thrilling event that raises funds for the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Wexford, and what it taught her about being comfortable in your body. I moved to Rosslare three years ago and every year I heard tales of the Dip in the Nip. I didn't know much about it, just that a bunch of women gathered on the beach at 7am, tossed off their clothes and raced into the sea, completely nude, roaring battle cries at the top of their lungs. It sounded sort of witchy to me, so I knew I had to get involved. The women's Dip in the Nip is organised by local health and fitness guru Eileen Rowe as a fundraiser for Hope Cancer Support Centre in Wexford. The Hope Centre provides a variety of free cancer support services including counselling, massage, prosthesis/bra fitting and children's counselling for local Wexford residents. Eileen cites the loss of her aunt to cancer as the catalyst for creating the event. But beyond that, Eileen has always been passionate about the sea and bringing women together: "If you can help people feel empowered and raise money for cancer it's a win win for everybody. It's a life-changing experience! You're not the same person after doing the dip, it's just magic!" Sunday July 20 marked the 11th year of the Dip in the Nip in Rosslare and my very first year joining the ranks of these incredible women. My friend, Kate, has been doing the Dip for years and finally talked me into joining her. If I'm being honest it didn't take much convincing: the older I get the less I care about being naked and the more I understand the importance of sisterhood. I remember, as a child, being absolutely mortified by older women in the swimming pool changing rooms wandering around completely nude without a care in the world. My mam used to tell me, "You just don't care when you get older, Tara", and it turns out she was dead right. Now, in my mid-30s, I have become the uninhibited lady from the changing rooms or, in this case, Rosslare Strand. When it comes to why people do the Dip in the Nip, it's pretty clear. According to the HSE, 1 in 2 people are diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime - whether it's ourselves, our relatives or our friends, we will know someone who has to face it. Amanda Broaders, who documents her cancer journey online at @built_stronger_with_amanda, was diagnosed in May 2024. Over the last year Amanda has availed of the Hope Centre's services saying "the support and information provided was absolutely life-changing". Having received such great support during her battle with cancer, Amanda felt it was only right to support the Hope Centre in return by signing up for the Dip and raising some money. As expected, Amanda was nervous to bare all, but that quickly changed: "Once I got into the water I felt completely at ease. It was a bit emotional because of my personal journey but very empowering at the same time. I'll definitely be back next year." Maria Foley, breast cancer survivor and three time dipper, admitted that organiser Eileen had been asking her to do Dip in the Nip for years: "I always said no, but that was until I needed a bit of help from the Hope Centre and realised how valuable the service they provided was." Like so many others, Maria sees Dip in the Nip as a way to give back to the Hope Centre who were fundamental in helping her come to terms with her diagnosis. When asked what words of advice she'd give to those who are thinking about participating next year Maria said: "If I can do it, anyone can do it. It's a fantastic sight to see, women of all ages from 18 to 80 supporting each other!" The aspect of the Dip that I found particularly powerful was the body diversity. There's nothing like being surrounded by hundreds of naked women, of all shapes, sizes and ages, to remind you that we're all just human beings and maybe a few stretch marks don't really matter in the grand scheme of things. Jenny Murphy started doing Dip in the Nip four years ago and notes that, despite her own struggles with body image, when she looked around the beach during her first dip she realised that many of the women looked just like her: "I'm not the only one with a saggy tummy, who knew?!" When she felt anxious before stripping off, Jenny reminded herself that if the people she loves can be brave enough to face cancer, then she can be brave enough to skinny dip on a Sunday morning. So far this year over €25,000 has been raised by the event and you can still donate - here. Over the past decade the event has raised over a quarter of a million euro. It's not just the women stripping off and taking the plunge: the men's event, The Bow Tie Dip, took place on Saturday July 19 in aid of It's Good2Talk, a local charity offering free counselling and psychotherapy support. The Bow Tie Dip, organised by Bernard McGuinness, is only in its second year, however it has already managed to raise over €15,000 this year and, of course, you can still donate - here. Next year's events are set for Saturday July 18 (men's) and July 19 (women's) and I encourage anyone and everyone to give it a try. Eileen was absolutely right when she said that it was magic: the buzz I felt after the event this year was unlike anything else. Throughout my life women have saved me, held me and put me back together time and time again. So to stand in solidarity on that beach, surrounded by over 500 women who have faced battles I know nothing of, completely vulnerable and raw, was transcendental.
Irish Independent
14-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Dip in the Nip makes a cheeky return to Wexford to raise funds for two local organisations
This July, Dip in the Nip for both men and women returns with the men's event taking place on Saturday, July 19, and the ladies' event taking place on Sunday, July 20. It's Good to Talk, are a Wexford not – for – profit organisation who offer invaluable psychotherapy and counselling services to the local community from their town centre base in Wexford's Spawell road will benefit from the men's event while the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy will benefit from the ladies' event. The Wexford debut of the men's Dip in the Nip was last year and the event was very successful. The men's event last year raised over € 11,000, and the expectation is that the total amount raised will be larger this year. Men will bare almost all and will wear just a bow tie as they charge into the Irish Sea to raise funds and awareness for mental health. 'The men's Dip in the Nip is more than just running into the sea,' said organiser Bernard McGuinness. 'It's about stepping outside your comfort zone, letting go of expectations, and showing up for each other in the rawest, most honest way. We're encouraging everyone who dipped last year to bring a friend and help us double the impact in 2025.' And it's not just about the money. The fearless participants take part, spark important conversations and breakdown mental health stigma, in a fun way. 'Mental health is something I care deeply about, which is why I was more than happy to take part in both last year's and this year's dip. The Bow Tie Dip in the Nip isn't just a brilliant fundraiser, it's a powerful show of community spirit,' says Leo Coy, an It's Good to Talk committee member. 'The atmosphere on the day is electric. There's laughter, connection, and a real sense that we're all in it together, and for a great cause.' The event takes place at Rosslare Strand on Saturday July 19 at 7am. The following morning the women's Dip in the Nip takes place at the same time. Funds raised from this will support Hope Cancer Support Centre, celebrating courage, community and a shared commitment to both causes. If you'd like to take part and are over 18, come along on the morning of either event. Participants will gather at the beach beside the Community Centre in Rosslare Strand from 6:00 AM onwards. The dip will commence at 7am. If you prefer to support from the shore, you can donate online by clicking here Regardless of whether you're taking part, a supporter or just curious to check it out, all are welcome.
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Wexford village pub donates over €11,000 for Hope Cancer Support Centre
The Pike Inn in Camolin hosted multiple events to fundraise for the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy, including a table quiz, coffee morning and even raffling off a signed Johnny Sexton rugby hamper. Martina Kirwin of the local pub shared that the Hope Cancer Support Centre was chosen this year as a family member had recently been diagnosed with cancer. 'Unfortunately, there are a lot of people in the area with cancer,' Martina said. Ms Kirwin said they host a fundraiser every year and the idea to fundraise for the Hope Centre started when Martina asked to raffle off a Christmas hamper for the charity in the Pike Inn, which later became their chosen fundraiser for this year. 'We had a table quiz, a 50-50 draw where half the prize money went to one lucky winner. We had a 5K fun run, and we held a coffee morning and a bucket collection on Easter Saturday.' Martina praised the work and effort of the charity. 'They do such good work in there for free, so we just wanted to give something back'. Martina said they hope to continue fundraising for charities every year. 'Thanks to everyone that sponsored us, helped and supported us,' Martina said.
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Hope Centre Summer Solstice Walk cancelled after 14 years due to health and safety concerns – ‘It's was a very difficult decision'
While it may seem a simple event – a walk along one of Wexford's finest beaches, some meditation and a candlelight ceremony – the Hope Cancer Support Centre have been forced to cancel their annual Summer Solstice Walk and Ceremony of Light and Healing owing to health and safety concerns and additional requirements placed on them to obtain the required event insurance. The Enniscorthy-based cancer support charity has been running the event since 2011 and it's become an incredibly popular and important event, affording participants the opportunity to reflect on their own cancer battles or those of a loved one, remember those who've gone before and to just talk to people who've had similar experiences. This year, however, the event will sadly not go ahead, with some regular participants stating that it's another beloved event 'ruined by red tape'. "The difficult decision was taken following a health and safety risk assessment and a thorough review of the event,' Administration Manager at the Hope Cancer Support Centre Denise McDonald said. "It was a huge decision and we deliberated on it for a while. Unfortunately, there were additional health and safety requirements with the event being on the beach and it was just beyond our capacity. "We know people will be upset about it and that's why we're going to try and do some alternative events including a meditative video on our social media platforms and website and we're going to put a 'Tree of Hope' outside the centre here where people can place their own symbols and messages.' Details of these alternative events will be announced in due course, while a return of the Solstice Walk has not entirely been ruled out. "Well you'll note the wording that it's just cancelled for this year,' Denise says. 'It may go ahead again in the future, we just don't know. Unfortunately, we just don't have the capacity to do it this year and that's a decision we arrived at after much consideration.'
