Walk raises record funds for cancer care

A charity walk which took place in Cork during the summer has raised a phenomenal €66,528 for a local cancer care service.

This year’s Make Your Mark on Cancer walk on 23 July saw the largest turnout to date, with 380 walkers taking to the road to raise vital funds for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Appeal.

Organisers of the popular charity walk dedicated this year’s event to Micheál Sheridan, CEO of the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, who sadly lost his battle with cancer on 4 June after a short illness.

This year’s walk also marked a very special milestone in the history of the event, as the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre, which was a long-term ambition of the organising committee, opened its doors earlier in the year. To mark this, the organising committee felt it was fitting to honour Mr Sheridan, as he was instrumental in bringing the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre to fruition.

The first Make Your Mark on Cancer walk took place in 2013 in memory of Bandon man, Mark Prendergast, who died of testicular cancer.

The popular walk and supporting events have since raised over €566,528 for the Mercy Cancer Appeal, and in particular the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre.

Mark’s brother and Chairman of the Make Your Mark on Cancer committee Damien Prendergast, said: “Little did we know back in 2013 the impact that the event would have on other families who would find themselves in a similar situation to ours, facing a tough cancer journey. The new Cancer CARE Centre is, and will be, a tremendous resource and source of support to the many families who are in the midst of a cancer journey, be it their own or a loved ones. We are so proud to see the project come to fruition and open its doors, and it is in no small part thanks to the support of everyone who has participated and supported Make Your Mark on Cancer over the last 11 years.”

Deirdre Finn, Interim CEO and Head of Fundraising at the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, added: “This year’s Make Your Mark on Cancer walk was especially poignant, as Micheál Sheridan had lost his battle with cancer in June. Dedicating this year’s walk to Micheál was a lovely gesture by the organising committee, and we thank them for that. We are so appreciative to once again be the beneficiary of this ever popular event and would like to express our gratitude to everyone who made this year’s event such a success.”

For more information on fundraising for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation and information about the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre, visit mercyhospitalfoundation.ie.