Cork woman to take part in Echo Women's Mini Marathon in memory of her mother

A Cork woman, whose mother passed away last year following a battle with cancer, will take part in this year’s The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon under the banner of the Mercy University Hospital Foundation.

Now in its 43rd year, the event is hosted by Cork Athletics.

It raises approximately €1.5m for charities each year, and is one of Cork city’s best-loved sporting and social events.

Among those doing the mini marathon in aid of Mercy University Hospital Foundation is Andrea Hoye, from Mitchelstown.

Ms Hoye is participating in memory of her mother, Anna Cremins, who began treatment for esophageal cancer at Mercy University Hospital in January, 2021.

Anna was admitted to St Camillus ward in August, 2023, for additional treatment, and sadly passed away on October 12 last year.

Ms Hoye will be joined on September 22 by her husband and two kids, as well as her brother Padraic, his wife and his two daughters, and explained why they have joined #TeamMercy:

“For mum’s funeral, in lieu of flowers, our family asked for donations to Mercy University Hospital Foundation, and this raised over €500.

“Earlier this year we agreed to do some additional fundraising as our way of saying ‘thank you’ for the care our mother received at ‘The Mercy’, and so decided to join #TeamMercy for the Mini Marathon as it is something we can all do together,” she said.

The money raised will go towards funding key services and advances in the treatment of and research into many cancers, and in particular the new Mercy Cancer CARE Centre, which opened its doors earlier this year at 9 Dyke Parade.

“Over the last 15 years, hundreds of women, as well as plenty of men and children, have joined #TeamMercy; and numbers continue to grow each year,” community fundraiser with the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, Louise O’Brien, said.

“This is a reflection of the reality that cancer affects so many people, with approximately 42,000 people being diagnosed with cancer in Ireland each year, and countless families experiencing the journey at some point.”

To join #TeamMercy call (021) 4274076 or visit www.mercyhospitalfoundation.ie to register.

Those looking to participate must also register for the event at https://www.echolive.ie/minimarathon/