Shane Filan has urged the Irish public to take part in their local Relay For Life or to bring a Relay For Life event to their local community.
Following successful University Relay events in DCU, UCD and Trinity College, the first of 11 Relay For Life community events across the country, Relay For Life Mayo will take place in the South Mall, Westport, Co. Mayo on 17th May starting at 5pm.
Relay For Life, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, is a 24-hour event, brings local communities together to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who have been lost to cancer.
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.
This year, Westlife’s Shane Filan is ambassador for Relay For Life. Shane lost both of his parents Mae and Peter to cancer.
Speaking about the event he said: “I’m so proud and honoured to be an ambassador for the Irish Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. I know firsthand the devastating impact cancer can have on a family, as I lost my mum and dad to the disease just nine months apart. I miss them every day, but I know they would be incredibly proud of my work today with Relay For Life.
“It’s so vital for people whose lives have been touched by cancer to have an outlet to come together and get support.
“Relay For Life is a magical, moving event that celebrates our cancer survivors in our communities, it helps give solace to those who have lost loved ones. Most importantly, it gives hope. Hope for better services, hope for better treatment, and hope for a future free from cancer.
“It’s hard to believe, but one in two of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. While every three minutes, someone in Ireland is hearing the words, ‘You’ve got cancer’. The funds raised through Relay For Life helps ensure no one has to face a cancer diagnosis alone.
“I’m urging everyone to get involved in their local Relay For Life, or to bring a Relay For Life to their own area if they don’t already have one, so everyone can experience how moving, uplifting and powerful this special event is.
“I’m thrilled to see that Relay For Life is being brought to Westmeath and my hometown of Sligo for the first time this year. My ambition is that one day, Relay For Life will be in every county in Ireland, supporting cancer patients and their families across the country and remembering loved ones lost at this special event. Hope to see you at a Relay For Life soon!”
You can find out more here.
