Dresses, makeup, wigs: Why we’re taking part in mini marathon for Cork Arc

Colin Barry and Dave Mcguire are housemates, teammates and soul- mates.

Their football group ARC Rovers are taking part in The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon in aid of Cork ARC Support House, for the third year in a row.

“It is a way to remember my dad, Chris Mcguire, who passed away in April, 2022,” says Dave.

We all availed of the fantastic services ARC House offered to us after dad died, supporting us to deal with loss, grief and sadness.

Colin knew Dave’s dad well and he well knows the havoc that cancer can wreak among family, friends and community too.

“I was very close to Dave’s dad. Cancer has touched us all,” says Colin. “When we decided to set up a team to support a charity, ARC House was the obvious choice.”

Hosting a tournament in memory and on behalf of Chris Mcguire, as sports’ enthusiasts, was an obvious choice.

“Dad was an avid sports fan,” says Dave. “He was involved in soccer with Casement Celtic. His job would donate prizes for sports events. 

He would love the idea of the tournament named after him keeping his memory alive.

The 25- man squad are ready to step it out on September 22, taking part in The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon to fundraise for ARC House.

“We are really looking forward to it,” says Colin.

The enthusiastic team are going the whole nine yards.

“It’s always a great day out and great fun. And we get to dress up! We go all out with make-up and all!”

The ARC Rovers are a football group, part of the Cork Business League, who fundraise for Cork ARC throughout the year.

They have been fundraising for Cork ARC over their last two seasons; from 2022 to 2024. To date they have raised an incredible €18,331.25 for the organisation.

This will be their third year participating in The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon while raising funds for Cork ARC.

“We have a great team of group members,” says Colin. 

ARC House is such a good cause, and it is an opportunity to give back. The lads keep on giving.

“Family and friends of the lads will all participate on the day - they can be hard to miss with some of the outfits!”

When I visited the new ARC Cancer Support House, located on a 8,000 square feet at Sarsfield House, Wilton, I thought it could well be house of the year; but it represents house of the future.

That is because Cliffdale gives hope and support to people who may be facing an uncertain future, and for those who may be facing a future without their loved one.

“Cliffdale is so homely. People ring the doorbell, and they are sorted,” says a service user who avails of the one-to-one support, a listening ear, free therapies, and free counselling.

When Dave’s dad died of pancreatic cancer aged just 52, Dave, his sister, and their mother rang the doorbell behind the friendly purple door.

“At the time dad died, we weren’t aware of ARC House and the services that it provided to cancer patients and family members,” says Dave.

“Mam and myself are still availing of the free counselling service there which we find to be of great benefit to us.

“I can shake off the cobwebs,” says Dave. “We sought support after losing dad, and the door was open at ARC House. It gave us help as a family after going through our loss.

Ever since, me and the lads are fundraising for ARC House. The funds go towards the wonderful free services they provide for patients and for those bereaved.

“Often, cancer can add the burden of financial problems. I know from my own experience that a session with a counsellor can cost €60 to €70.

“ARC House can help ease the financial burden during and throughout a family member’s cancer journey, by giving valuable advice about medical cards for instance.”

Dave and his team members of ARC Rovers will help keep valuable and essential services available at Cork ARC House to those who need it most.

“The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon is a chance to raise awareness about ARC House,” says Dave.

“When dad died, we weren’t aware of the wonderful free services and therapies that Cork ARC House provide to people going through a cancer journey and to their loved ones. Since we have discovered the haven, it became a lifeline.”

Dave is looking forward to the mini marathon, the fun and colour that it brings.

“The funky gear is part of it, we don’t get to dress up too often!

“Yes, we make our presence felt! It is a great day out, a day of fun and laughter.”

In her role as a Survivorship Development Co-ordinator with ARC House, Katrina Falvey paid tribute to ARC Rovers.

She said: “We are incredibly grateful to have received the consistent support from ARC Rovers.

They have been incredible ambassadors to our organisation, representing us well at every opportunity.

“ARC Rovers have consistently raised funds over the past number of years, enabling us to offer free services to those with cancer and their families and loved ones throughout Cork city and county.

“Their unwavering dedication to Cork ARC Cancer Support House and its significant impact on our services is invaluable.”

All services provided by Cork ARC Cancer Support House are free of charge.

ABOUT ARC HOUSE

Cork ARC House is a safe haven for people with cancer and their families where they can find information, practical help, and emotional support.

The story began with a group of people who recognised the gap in cancer services and came together with a shared vision of supporting people with cancer and their families in the Munster region.

In 2001, they formed a Board of Trustees and together set about designing a plan for Cork ARC Cancer Support House.

The Board brought their plan to the then Department of Health, seeking their support, and they in turn provided original premises on O’Donovan Rossa Road which welcomed first the visitors in 2003.

HOW TO TAKE PART IN THE ECHO MINI MARATHON

Registration is open for The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon. Now in its 43rd year, the event is hosted by Cork Athletics.

It raises approximately €1.5m for charities each year.

The 5km event will take place on September 22 at 1pm.

The race starts on Kennedy Quay and finishes in Kennedy Park.

Keep an eye on the Mini Marathon Facebook page and website in the coming days for updates.

Participants can register at https://www.echolive.ie/minimarathon

Nourish are the training partner for the mini marathon.

Brenda Dennehy is the brand ambassador.