Positive weather forecast to shine further light on Donegal Relay for Life
Huge numbers will gather at the ATU campus in Letterkenny, incorporating the message of hope and bringing together survivors, carers, team members, musicians, volunteers and those who will simply come along to add their backing to the cause and the camaraderie
With the darkness of cancer diagnosis comes the light in the form of Relay for Life, which has generated over €2million since its inception in 2012 and continues to support services and research into the illness.
This weekend, huge numbers will gather at the ATU campus in Letterkenny, incorporating the message of hope and bringing together survivors, carers, team members, musicians, volunteers and those who will simply come along to add their backing to the cause and the camaraderie. And endorsing the central theme of this year’s Relay – that of resilience.
And behind it all, a committee that has been working tirelessly, almost since last year’s event concluded, to make the weekend a success.
Donegal Relay Chairperson Seamus Devine is predicting not just 24 hours of fundraising and awareness-raising but also a turn in the weather conditions!
“The forecast is quite good, and we’ve no need to worry about the wind and the rain, which has been evident in recent days. Indeed, the weather is going to be beautiful on Sunday, so bring along loads of sun cream,” he advised.Around 33 teams are taking part this year from all over the country.
“The candle sales are absolutely flying while the Boil the Kettle events have been a massive success, not alone from the point of view of fund-raising but also through the fact that it has been generating a community spirit that has been absolutely fantastic.”
As dusk descends on Saturday night, the candles will be lit inside the special bags, inscribed on which are the names of those who have passed away and those who are recovering from cancer and other illnesses.
The Luminaria ceremony is one of the most moving parts of the weekend but so too the stories told by those families and friends directly affected.
Tea and coffee will be plentiful in the team gazeboes surrounding the pitch but such refreshments have already filled countless cups and mugs with the staging of the Boil the Kettle initiative.
Here is where homes, businesses, communities and clubs hosted tea (or coffee!) parties – a concept that was the inspiration of Relay committee member, Davy Cowan.
“It’s been such a brilliant idea and has already raised huge amounts of money”, indicated chairman Devine.
“Hopefully we can expand it further in the years ahead because it has been such a success and our thanks to everyone who has contributed in whatever way to it.”
Apart from appealing for as many survivors as possible to attend the event this weekend, Seamus is also urging volunteers to step forward to help out.
“We’ll find a job for you as there are always loads to do. Events like this cannot run on their own.”
Meanwhile, the chairman acknowledged all the musicians who will be taking part between Saturday and Sunday. “They give of their time freely and thanks to Paul McCahill for helping in this regard.“We also want to thank all the sponsors and the media, without whom we wouldn’t be able to have a Relay weekend. They have all been very supportive over the years.”The recent passing of Moya Brennan, who played a pivotal role in the Luminaria ceremony, will also be marked. “We’ll be doing something special in memory of her.”
The Survivors Choir, led by Donal Kavanagh, will perform regularly over the two days, while Sunday will see the one and only Daniel O’Donnell – who, along with his wife, Majella, is a long-time patron of the event – take to the stage at the scheduled time of 2pm to add his vocals to the occasion.
The whole event gets underway on Saturday at 3pm when the Finn Valley Men's Choir will perform before the official opening ceremony at 4pm followed by the survivors and carers laps.
The Gospel Hour and Ecumenical Service – featuring, among many, the inimitable Martin Orr, who has just received a Community Hero award - will also provide a stirring addition to the weekend on the Sunday morning. But in truth, the entire 24 hours will combine to stir the hearts and emotions of all fortunate enough to be present.