Irish Cancer Society calls on women in Offaly to join Mini Marathon Team and help provide vital cancer services with every step

Cancer Nurseline and Daffodil Centres had over 53,000 interactions with Irish people concerned about cancer in 2015

 The Irish Cancer Society is calling on women of all ages in Offaly to sign up to join their team ahead of this year’s VHI Women’s Mini Marathon. Those joining ‘Team Irish Cancer Society’ for the event will be supporting the Society’s free nationwide services for cancer patients and their families. The Mini Marathon, which takes place on Monday, 6th of June 2016, will see over 40,000 women walk, jog and run the 10 kilometre route across Dublin City.

One of the areas supported by mini marathon runners is the Society’s Cancer Support services including the Cancer Nurseline Freephone 1800 200 700 and 13 Daffodil Centres. Together, the services had over 53,000 interactions with members of the public affected by or concerned with cancer last year.

The Cancer Nurseline and Daffodil Centres are both staffed by specialist cancer nurses who provide support to cancer patients, their families and friends, as well as members of the public. The Society’s cancer nurses on the Cancer Nurseline take calls or respond online to anyone looking for cancer information and support while those in the Society’s Daffodil Centres, which are located at the heart of diagnosis and treatment in hospitals nationwide, provide cancer information and support on-site.  

Often the Society’s cancer nurses on the Cancer Nurseline or in the Daffodil Centres are the only people which the cancer patient can talk to in confidence about their cancer diagnosis. The Society’s cancer nurses offer information on topics such as cancer treatments and related side-effects, support and psychological care, practical entitlements, cancer prevention, early detection and palliative care. Both services are available free of charge to the public, with no appointment or referral necessary.

Ahead of the Mini Marathon in June, women across Ireland are being asked to consider joining team Irish Cancer Society for the day to raise funds to support the Society’s work. The Irish Cancer Society will be hosting a gathering to thank all of their team at the St Stephen’s Green Food Village. Located on the first floor of the St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, St. Stephen’s Green Food Village will offer great food and a superb view of fellow team mates coming across the finish line.

Mark Mellett, Head of Fundraising at the Irish Cancer Society said: “The VHI Women’s Mini Marathon is always a fantastic day out and it’s amazing to see all our runners and walkers in yellow t-shirts joining with us in the fight against cancer. Over 40,000 women will take part in the Mini Marathon in June and over 40,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in Ireland this year, a poignant reminder visually on the day of the vast numbers of people affected by cancer in this country.

The VHI Women’s Mini Marathon offers a great goal for those looking to get fit ahead of the Summer while also truly making a difference to those affected by cancer. We will have an enjoyable day lined up for Irish Cancer Society supporters with refreshments on offer near the finish line and a party to celebrate their wonderful achievement.”

To join team Irish Cancer Society and Get Active in 2016: CallSave 1850 60 60 60 or visitwww.cancer.ie/getactive

We Won’t Give Up Until Cancer Does.