Relay for Life continues the fight on cancer in Kilkenny

Relay for Life has been a regular fixture in the calendars of Kilkenny people for just over a decade and the support of the community shows no signs of abating.

Its local origins date back to July 2013, with the inaugural event taking place at the Watershed complex.

24 hours full of joy, sadness and hope brought attendees on a rollercoaster of emotions for cancer survivors, their family members and friends.

In 2017, Relay for Life relocated to Kilkenny Rugby Club in Foulkstown, but the change in location hasn't dampened the community's support for the cause, with July marking its 11th year. 

Last month, the organisation held their cheque presentation ceremony evening at the Orchard House in Kilkenny City. The event, hosted by long-time member George Chandler, brought together teams, supporters and committee members to celebrate a cheque of €40,283.78 being presented to the Irish Cancer Society.

Chairperson of Kilkenny Relay for Life, Patsy Cummins, praised the teams, committees and doners for their generous support stating, 'the community never fails to come together for the worthy cause.'

Relay for Life holds a strong place in Patsy's heart.

"In year two of Relay, a friend asked me to get involved, we (family) went along thinking we'd be there for two hours, but we ended up staying the 24 hours," she recalls.

Little did Patsy realise the significance of that visit, just a few years later, cancer came knocking at her family's door following the passing of her mother in-law through the disease. That would prove to be a turning point as Relay for Life's purpose shun through brighter than ever before.

The support and friendships Relay created came to the fore for Patsy and her family. 

"Cancer affects everyone and everybody has some experience of it, we're there for awareness and support to bring people together."

Patsy now hopes Relay for Life's influence can spread to every corner of the country, with 'big plans' in place.

Mini-relays for schools and team relay events for businesses are all hoped to come to fruition. Kilkenny's influence has been by no means minimal, with three Kilkenny people on the 'Heroes of Hope' committee.

Local members also travelled in their numbers to Dublin in the past few weeks for a Relay For Life-Irish Cancer Society event, hosted by ambassador Shane Finan.

These initiatives create a great bond according to Patsy, a sense of comradery that fill her with hope for the future.