Cork family gearing up for a trek in memory of 'brother, father, and friend' Ray

Hundreds of walkers are set to take to the roads of Cork next month for the ‘Make Your Mark On Cancer’ charity trek.

This 22km journey from Chetwynd Viaduct to the Town Hall in Bandon is in support of the Mercy Cancer Appeal.

Among those stepping out on Sunday, July 13, will be the Seaman family, who are out in force each year. They participate in memory of Ray Seaman, who passed away from bile duct cancer on September 8, 2012, in the Mercy Hospital.

Ray, a father of-four, was a Bandon man through and through.

“He worked in London,” says Ray’s sister Verona. “He never forgot his roots. He loved coming home every summer for his holidays. Ray ended his days aged 48.”

The final months of his were made comfortable and dignified.

“The Mercy Hospital were amazing,” says Verona. “Ray got fantastic care in the Mercy.”

The hospital is well-known for providing tender loving care for patients and their families.

“My brother was treated so well,” says Verona.

“All the family received the best of care and attention from every member of staff at the hospital.”

The Seamans never forget the support of the Mercy during their time of need.

Every year, as many of the family members as possible get together and take part in the ‘Make Your Mark On Cancer’ trek.

“We all get involved,” says Verona. “It is our way of giving back to the Mercy Hospital.”

The Seaman clan come from far and wide to remember Ray and to help support the Mercy Cancer Appeal.

“My nephew Noel travels from the UK to take part in the walk every year,” says Verona.

“Niall, our brother, provides his own Jeep to ferry the walkers to the starting line. Niall travels annually from the UK to take part in the walk.

“Alan, another Seaman, drives the Jeep to assist people taking part in the walk.”

The 22km walk is in its 12th year, continuing to honour the memory of Mark Prendergast, another beloved Bandon man who lost his life to testicular cancer in 2012.

Since the inaugural event in 2013, the walk and its supporting fund-raisers have raised more than €566,528 to support cancer services at Mercy Hospital.

Making a mark on cancer is a team effort; and it is a family effort for the Seamans.

“Gary, another brother, drives a transfer bus provided by McCarthy Coaches to cater for the crowd doing the walk on the day,” says Verona. “It is a real family affair!”

It is a day to celebrate Ray’s life and to support the Mercy Hospital.

“At the Town Hall in Bandon, when we’ve completed 22km, we’ll have a cuppa and a sandwich,” says Verona.

The celebrations continue.

“We’ll head home, grab a shower, and then congregate to enjoy a few well-deserved pints!”

Ray, who worked as a plasterer, would approve.

“Yes, he would!” says Verona laughing.

“Ray was a darling. We loved him; we are a close family.”

Ray was a fighter.

“He always thought he’d beat his cancer,” says Verona. “He never thought it would kill him.

“He fought his cancer, which was stage 4, until the bitter end, and he never accepted that the cancer would end his life.”

The Mercy Hospital cared for Ray until he passed away from Cholangiocarcinoma, bile duct cancer, that forms in the bile ducts.

“Ray was diagnosed on October 11, 2011, and he passed away 11 months later,” says Verona.

Since the inception of ‘Make Your Mark On Cancer’, every year the Seamans put their best feet forward and enjoy the atmosphere and the camaraderie among the hundreds of walkers stepping it out to make their own mark for cancer charities..

“It is a great day,” says Verona. “The community spirit from start to finish is wonderful. You can feel it.”

Everyone is in it together.

“We all have something in common,” says Verona. “A friend of mine, who never misses the walk, can’t make the date this year. She is doing the course for the Mercy Hospital a week ahead”.

The Seamans are always out in force at the event.

“Every year we walk in memory of Ray,” says Verona.

“Ray was a brother, a father, and friend,” says Verona.

“And every year we’re reminded of the incredible community that surrounds this event.

“It’s more than just a walk. It is a day filled with hope, remembrance and solidarity.”

Ray, who was ‘a darling’, loved all things Cork.

“He was a huge supporter of Cork football and hurling,” says Verona.

“Coming home to Cork and coming home to us, was something he always looked forward to.”

Speaking on behalf of the ‘Make Your Mark On Cancer’ committee, Carol Crean said: “The Seaman family is the heart of our mission, consistently giving at every level, year after year.

“Their ongoing support inspires us - they show up, give back, and believe in ‘Making A Mark On Cancer’ every year.

“We are encouraging families from all over Cork to do the same this year by joining us on Sunday, July 13.”

Funds raised will once again go towards the cost of cancer services, including testicular cancer awareness talks across Cork schools.

One such school will be St Brogan’s in Bandon, where the unique educational sessions will equip young male students with the knowledge to detect symptoms and seek help.