Whatever people’s reasons for taking part in the 2013 Solas Centre South East Run for Life, Waterford’s Niamh Doherty is urging everyone to get running, jogging or walking to simply celebrate life.
According to Niamh, in an interview with Beat 102-103’s Gail Conway, it was her experience at last year’s Run for Life that encouraged her to do it again this year.
“I did the run last year as I was stuck around the 5km mark and wanted to increase my distance and set myself some goals. I chose the Solas Run for Life as I had heard so much about it in previous years and knew it was a really good cause, so I signed up with some friends.”
“Thankfully none of my immediate family has had to use the services of the Solas Centre, but you don’t know what’s around the corner in six days, six weeks or six months time…cancer is so prevalent,” she added.
Of the run itself, Niamh said it was an amazing experience. “Everybody was cheering us on; the stewards, the people at the water stations, there were even kids handing out sweets around the course. There was music outside the Solas Centre and a crowd of people clapping and cheering us on. It was unbelievable and gave us such a lift when we needed it.”
“However, the defining moment for me was coming past St. Benilda’s Church on the home strait and an elderly gentleman was giving all the participants ‘high fives’ as they passed. It summed up the whole spirit of the race and the generosity of spirit that is out there on the streets of Waterford.”
Many of the participants of this year’s Solas Centre South East Run for Life have been, in some way, affected by cancer. Every year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer. That is why the organisers are hoping to garner the support of at least 2,000 participants to take part in aid of the Solas Centre.
Niamh added, “A friend of mine had battled cancer, and she was less than 50 years of age when she passed away about six weeks before the run. She was in my thoughts throughout the run and at times when it got difficult I thought of her and asked her to get me through it. She did!”
“I wasn’t the only one running that day who had someone to think about and it goes to show how many people get such great use out of the Solas Centre and what an amazing resource it is for those who need it.”
According to Dr. Brian Creedon, Chairman South Eastern Cancer Foundation, the public’s continuing support of the Solas Centre is vital in providing the best regional cancer support services.
“Niamh did so much last year to ensure that we can continue to provide cancer support services to the 2,000 people who are diagnosed across the region each and every year. I would urge everyone to think about getting out, getting fit and running, jogging or walking October’s Run for Life. It’s a fun family day out and the vital funds will allow us to continue our fight against cancer.”
The Solas Centre is delighted to welcome new sponsors, Eishtec and acknowledged the continuing support of Beat 102-103.
If you want to take part in this year’s South East Run For Life, which takes place on Sunday, October 13th sponsorship cards are available from the Solas Centre at Williamstown, Waterford or you can visit www.solascentre.ie, Beat 102 103 studios and AIB branches