This year's Solas Cancer Support Centre Virtual Run and Walk for Life has raised €171,000 - the highest number raised in seven years.
The 2020 incarnation of the event saw the run go virtual as a record number of people ran their own distance and route on a day of their choosing.
People took part across the South East region, as well as spots much further afield such as Oslo, Jakarta and Sydney.
The figure announced today is more vital than ever before as even during Level 5 restrictions, the Solas Centre's free support services continue to be available to those affected by cancer, their families and carers in the Waterford and West Waterford area.
On announcing the amount raised Barry Monaghan, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Solas Cancer Support Centre, spoke of his appreciation to all who took part: "Over 2,650 participants took part this year and to raise €171,000 in such a challenging year is just astonishing.
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"We are so grateful to all the runners, walkers and fundraisers. The funds generated will be used to help fund our services, both in Waterford and in our west Waterford service in Dungarvan in 2021. Delivering these services cost €600,000 annually and these funds are raised each year because of the generosity of our community."
Tracy McDaid, Manager of the Solas Cancer Support Centre explains how the event this year was such huge success: "The feedback to this year’s event has been amazing and seeing the huge numbers of orange t-shirts over the three days of the event was fantastic.
"The Run and Walk for Life would not be possible without the help of our sponsors and all of our supporters. We would like to thank our Event Sponsor UPMC Whitfield Hospital and our Media Sponsor Beat - we are so fortunate to have their support in making the 2020 Virtual Run and Walk for Life such a success."
Image: Tara Grant, UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Barry Monaghan, Chair Solas Cancer Support Centre and Gabrielle Cummins, CEO Beat pictured at a virtual cheque presentation to announce funds raised by the 2020 Virtual Run and Walk for Life.
