THE chairperson of Relay for Life said he is “over the moon” after confirmation that this year’s monster event raised just over €320,000 for cancer research.
Mr Robert O’Connor was speaking yesterday (Thursday) after volunteers handed over a cheque for €320,000,728, to a representative of the Irish Cancer Society (ICS).
The money was raised during what is believed to have been Europe’s largest Relay for Life event in May.
While all the money is going to the ICS, Mr O’Connor stressed that Donegal people will inevitably be among those who reap the benefits.
“I am over the moon – this figure has exceeded our wildest expectations – we raised €350,000 last year, so this year’s figure shows a drop of only eight per cent. Considering the current economic climate, we are more than happy with that,” he said.
Earlier this year, some people had criticised the decision to send all the money directly to the ICS instead of distributing it among local charities.
However, Mr O’Connor again stressed it was never stated that the money raised in Donegal would all stay here.
“This money is all going towards research and we made that clear right from the start,” he said.
“Recently, a number of committee members visited Galway University Hospital and spoke to the cancer researchers there.
Mr O’Connor concluded that plans are already underway for next year’s event.
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