Image: Darragh Kane

Mark Sunday 23rd July in the diary, as the annual ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ charity walk is set to take place. Organisers are inviting walkers of all abilities to take on the 22km challenge of walking from The Viaduct to the Town Hall in Bandon to once again raise funds for the Mercy Cancer Appeal.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ walk, which was set up in 2013 to remember Bandon man Mark Prendergast, who passed away from testicular cancer in 2012. Since its inception the charity walk and supporting events have raised over €430,000 for the Mercy Cancer Appeal, and in particular the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre.

Funds raised this year will once again go towards the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre which will provide vital support for patients and their loved ones as they go through their cancer journey. The Mercy Cancer CARE Centre, due for completion in December this year, will provide a range of services, from one-to-one counselling and patient support groups, to a safe haven for patients at the time of their initial diagnosis. It will also provide a psycho-oncology service to support the mental health and emotional needs of cancer patients and their families during such a difficult time.

Part of the funds raised this year will also sponsor new Testicular Cancer Awareness Talks for over 1,000 male students aged 15-18 in seven schools across the county. Over 360 students from Carrigaline, Millstreet and Bantry have already benefited from this programme, which is unique to The Mercy University Hospital Foundation, and informs and educates young men on the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer, how to monitor for symptoms, and what to do if they have any signs of the illness.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s walk, Damien Prendergast, Chairman of the ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ committee said:

“Little did we know when we first started organising this event in honour of my brother Mark, that it would still be going 10 years later, and that it would have raised upwards of €430,000 for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation. We would love walkers from the last 10 years, as well as new walkers, to join us this July to mark this milestone, and make an ongoing difference to cancer care at The Mercy University Hospital.” 

Carol Crean, ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ committee member added:

“Seeing the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre come to fruition has been a long term goal of the committee, and it is great to see it almost at completion. This year, we are pleased to see funds also go towards educating young men on the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer – these talks will empower students to speak to the right person should they need help or support.”

Paschal McCarthy, CEO at the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, said:

“We are honoured to, once again, be a beneficiary the longstanding ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ walk, and funds raised will once again go towards the new Mercy Cancer CARE Centre, which is due for completion by the end of this year. The Cancer CARE Centre will provide a quiet and safe place for patients and their families to access an increasingly necessary range of services to support those affected both directly and indirectly by a cancer diagnosis; and will be home to our flagship Psycho-oncology service which is delivered by Clinical Psychologists. Bringing this project to this point would not have been possible without the support of those who have participated and supported ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ over the last 10 years, and for that we sincerely thank them.”

The Make Your Mark on Cancer Charity Walk will start from The Viaduct from 9am on Sunday July 23rd. There will be complimentary buses generously provided by McCarthy’s Coaches leaving from Kelleher’s Builder Providers in Bandon from 8am to drop walkers to The Viaduct to begin their 22km walk. This fun walk is suitable for all ages as the route is not too challenging, and it has various refreshment and toilet stops on the way. There is also another starting point at the Innishannon Parish Hall for those who would prefer a shorter walk.

This year’s ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ sponsors are Acesigns, McCarthy Coaches, and the Official Media Partner is C103.

If you would like to ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’, registration is €25, or free to all who take sponsorship cards. Visit www.makeyourmark.ie or phone 086 4542132 to register or receive your sponsorship card.

For more information on fundraising for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation and information about the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre visit www.mercyfundraising.ie.