We are running in aid of Purple House

Ruairí has completed the Westport marathon, Ronan and his friends will be completing the Clonmel triathlon on the 12th of May. Myself, Meg and Louise have run completed Edinburgh Half Marathon on 26th May and Clíona will be running the Dublin mini marathon on the 2nd of June for Purple House Cancer Support Centre.

For those of you who don’t know Purple House provides professional cancer support and psycho-oncology services to people affected by cancer nationwide in Ireland. There services are free of charge. They provide services for adults, teenagers, children and healthcare workers. They are irelands 1st ever community based cancer support centre from humble beginnings around a kitchen table in Bray in 1990. They help 1500 families each year. They are partly funded by the HSE however they rely on fund raising and donations to provide services on a day to day basis.

I have known Purple House (then Bray Cancer Support centre) since the age of 8. They have always been there to support me and my family. I cannot put into words how grateful I am to them. My sister was diagnosed with cancer when we were children. Then, in recent years my mom. Sadly after we had signed up for this race we found out my mom’s cancer has come back. Myself, my sister and mom have all volunteered for Purple House and have not only seen the positive affect on our family but also on others it’s truely remarkable. I don’t remember my life when it has not been affected by cancer so as you can imagine this is extremely close to my heart so I would appreciate any donation you can make.

I have gone on to become a nurse working on a pulmonary oncology ward and more than ever I have realised how vital it is support people affected with my both medical and emotional support. Myself, Meg and Louise all work for the NHS as nurse, dietitian and occupational therapist respectively and we have seen the fantastic services like MacMillan cancer support who provide their expertise and psychological support for people going through treatment and their families within the hospital setting and in the community. Unfortunately in Ireland these services are extremely lacking and Purple house is essential so that people are supported. Any donations no matter how big or small would be greatly appreciated