Cancer Connect Fundraiser

By SHEILA FITZGERALD

Statistics indicate that approximately 45,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in Ireland placing an unprecedented burden on both patients and their families.

There are numerous supports in place but the Cancer Connect Service ranks very highly in helping patients navigate their journey through cancer.

Knocknagree native John Joe Herlihy has once again come to the fore in organising a fundraising dance for the organisation and this event will take place at Newmarket CYMS Hall on Friday, June 16th.

Locally, in the North Cork area, retired Sergeant Dan Murphy is a board member at Cancer Connect and has also been a volunteer driver for the past 8 years. Dan spoke to The Corkman about the early days when the service was first up and running. “We found that there was a great need, people needed therapy for 6 or 8 weeks, the service gives families a break and for that purpose alone it was great. Currently there are approximately 30 volunteer drivers locally, we are always looking for more, if a person could just do one day a month, that would be really helpful and it is very rewarding work. We are totally dependent on funding and on voluntary contributions to keep going, local people are hugely supportive. They are actually brilliant within Duhallow and we are doing outstandingly well compared to other parts of the country” Dan explained.

Cancer Connect is a not for profit organisation with charitable status that co-ordinates transport to Cork hospitals for passengers attending Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy treatments, and cancer related appointments.

Cancer Connect has been in operation since 2011. It is a free, flexible and confidential service, running five days a week to Cork hospitals and manned entirely by volunteer drivers.

Transport for passengers was offered in West Cork originally but due to growing demand, the service is now offered throughout County Cork, with the exception of City suburbs and surrounds.

Cancer Connect is now firmly established in communities as a vital support for many to access Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy treatment in Cork Hospitals. To date, over 34,500 passenger journeys have been recorded.

To this end, Cancer Connect is indebted to the many people who are supporting the project since its inception. As the demand for the service grows, so too will the need for further fundraising to offset the costs of operations and fuel, etc.

Musicians who will perform free of charge at the fundraiser in Newmarket include Mike Condon, Eileen and Eleanor Cronin, Deacon Thady O’ Connor, Sheila Fitzgerald and Michael Twomey. Music will begin at 9pm. Doors open at 8.30pm

Dan Murphy added; “We would appreciate spot prizes on the night, this is for a very good cause and we also appreciate John Joe for organising the fundraiser for us”.

Tickets can be purchased in shops in Newmarket and also at the door on the night.