Cork cancer survivor calls on people to take part in Relay for Life Midleton  

A Cork cancer survivor is urging people across the city and county to get involved in a fundraising relay next month.

Rose Finn, aged 69, who is a breast cancer survivor, has issued a call to the general public to take part in the Relay for Life Midleton, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, at the CBS in Midleton on August 23.

Ms Finn, who is from Carrigtwohill, sits on the committee of Relay For Life Midleton and has been recognised by the American Cancer Society as a Global Hero of Hope.

Having been diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2008, after a routine mammogram, Ms Finn said that it is important to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and supports.

Tumour

“I had no symptoms; I had no lump,” said Ms Finn.

“They found a tumour hidden behind my breast. I had a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiotherapy — it all went like a dream, and I had a brilliant team in the Bons in Cork.

“In 2010, they told me I was in remission.

“Cancer has knocked on my family’s door many times, and that’s what keeps me going and pushes me to support the Irish Cancer Society and Relay For Life.

“My mam died of breast cancer, my sister died of ovarian cancer, my other sister died of multiple cancers, and my niece had breast cancer, but she had a double mastectomy and is thankfully doing well now.”

Following her diagnosis in 2013, Ms Finn started up Relay For Life to Midleton after she was approached by the global director of Relay For Life about bringing an event to the area.

“It’s an amazing community event, where we remember people we’ve lost to cancer, support those who are affected by cancer, and celebrate survivors,” said Ms Finn.

“The money raised goes to the Irish Cancer Society’s services, which supports people affected by cancer and their families, and it also helps to fund groundbreaking cancer research. It makes such a big difference to so many people.

“One in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, so it’s so important to get behind fundraisers like Relay For Life so these vital services can continue to be there when we need them.

“I’d encourage everyone to get involved in Relay For Life Midleton, or to consider setting one up in their own area.”

Registration is now open for the 24-hour event, which starts at 1pm and is in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

Participants in the event will team up and take turns walking through the day and night.

• For more information, or to register a team for a Relay For Life Midleton, visit: https://www.relayforlife.ie/event/midleton/home.