By Róise Collins
THIS year’s Relay for Life has been hailed a massive success, raising €154,358 (and counting), as thousands gathered in Letterkenny for the 24-hour event, which ran from Saturday through to Sunday afternoon.
Despite challenging weather conditions, people from across the county took to the track at ATU’s Donegal campus for the annual walkathon in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.
“It was a great turnout of survivors, carers, volunteers, entertainers – people from all walks of life,” Chairperson Seamus Devine told the Donegal News.
“There was a huge amount of work put in by people in the lead-up to the event and throughout the weekend, despite everything the weather threw at us.”
“For all the people affected by cancer, cancer is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It doesn’t matter if the sun is shining or if there are hailstones outside – cancer is something that is there with us all the time,” Seamus added.
A total of 35 teams walked lap after lap through both heavy showers and bursts of sunshine, while supporters gathered in tents along the side lines. Local musicians helped keep spirits high with live performances throughout the day and night.
One particularly poignant moment of the weekend was the luminaria service on Saturday night, when over 5,000 candles lined the pitch.
Each candle represented a life, shining in remembrance, hope, or triumph – uniting everyone who has been touched by cancer.
“It’s an amazing sight to see,” Seamus said.
As the event came to a close on Sunday afternoon, Donegal Relay for Life Patron Daniel O’Donnell took to the stage to express his heartfelt thanks to those who took part.
“It’s great to be a part of this. Majella and I urged you so much to come out, and we thank you very much.”
The popular country singer also shared his hope that even more people will turn out to support the event in the years to come.
Seamus also thanked everyone who supported Relay for Life both during the event and in the lead-up.
“This year we had the addition of the Donegal International Car Push on Wednesday night, which generated a lot of interest. I’d like to thank Robert and Ciaran for all the work they did,” he said.
“Every year we have our two superstars, our Patrons Daniel and Majella, who give everything they can to Relay for Life.
“Without them, we would be lost.”
Monica McElhinney and Ena Barrett.
The Surviviors Choir performing at the opening of Relay For Life on Saturday evening.
At the opening of Relay For Life on Saturday evening. Photos: Clive Wasson
Six Donegal musicians who performed at Relay for Life – Ann Biddy, Eddie Gallagher, Evelyn O’Donnell, Raymond McDonald, Paul McCahill and Mark Doherty.
Patrons Daniel O’Donnell and Majella O’Donnell at the opening of Relay For Life on Saturday evening.
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