Sports Editor Oisín Gaffey sat down with UCD Relay for Life Chairperson Éabha Shiel to discuss this year’s fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society, and what this year’s event has in store.
UCD’s annual Relay for Life takes place this Wednesday, April 10th, to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society. The 24-hour move-a thon commences on Wednesday at 12pm, and concludes at midday on Thursday April 11th.
I spoke with UCD Relay for Life Chairperson Éabha Shiel about the meaning behind Wednesday’s event, what is in store for this year’s fundraiser, and how students can donate and participate.
This year’s Relay for Life is just the second iteration of the event since the Covid-19 Pandemic and the easing of lockdown restrictions, and is on track to be even bigger and better than last year’s event, with around thirty teams expected to participate in the day’s activities.
Put simply, Relay for Life is a 24-hour event whereby teams of roughly 12 people (though there is no limit) take it in turns to walk laps around the UCD Quad to raise money and awareness for the Irish Cancer Society. There should be at least one member of each team moving at all times throughout the day, the idea being, “Cancer never sleeps, so neither do we”.
Last year the event raised more than €14,000 for the Irish Cancer Society, whilst this year’s goal now stands at €18,000. With more than €14,000 already raised at the time of writing, Éabha Shiel is confident that this year’s target is going to be met. Throughout the year there have been bake sales and information sessions, but Wednesday’s main event is where the group secures most of their donations.
The Irish Cancer Society provides free cancer information, care and support to all those affected by the disease, yet they typically receive just 5% funding from the Irish Government. Fundraising events, such as Daffodil Day in March and Relay for Life in April, are hugely significant events in ensuring the ICS can operate effectively and continue their life-changing work. Every cent of the money raised from this year's Relay will go towards the running and expansion of the Society’s services, including research, counselling, night nursing and childhood cancers.
“With more than €14,000 already raised at the time of writing, Éabha Shiel is confident that this year’s target is going to be met.”
As for the event itself, participants can expect a host of stands, performances and events throughout the 24-hour period. An opening ceremony kicks off the day’s proceedings with guest speakers and a performance from one of UCD’s choirs, followed by an opening lap led by those who had or have cancer and those who look after them. There will also be a ‘Shave or Chop’ haircut tent to raise money for the ICS and there will be live music performances on an erected stage with the likes of UCD Trad Society expected to be in attendance.
“Every cent of the money raised from this year's Relay will go towards the running and expansion of the Society’s services, including research, counselling, night nursing and childhood cancers.”
As the sun sets on Belfield, the ‘Candle of Hope Ceremony’ will be held to remember those who have sadly lost their battles with cancer. Students are encouraged to purchase a candle bag either online or in-person and to dedicate it to a loved one. The candles will be lit as the sun sets at around 8:30pm in a moving tribute to those affected and battling, or those who are no longer with us. Participants will then take part in a lap of silence accordingly, in what Shiel describes as “A really lovely event”.
As the relay continues into the night, movie screenings will take place, and when UCD Estates decide it’s time to turn down the speakers, students will take part in a silent disco in the early hours of the morning. Sunrise Yoga and Zumba classes are also on the roster, as well as the equally calming egg-and-spoon themed laps and piggy-back laps!
“As the sun sets on Belfield, the ‘Candle of Hope Ceremony’ will be held to remember those who have sadly lost their battles with cancer.”
As Wednesday’s Relay for Life is fast approaching, we would encourage all students to donate in any way they can. UCD Relay for life can be found on Instagram @relayucd. Donations are always welcome, and can be made for as long as one week post-relay via the Irish Cancer Society Relay for Life page.
Every year in Ireland, almost 45,000 people are diagnosed with cancer and 9,000 sadly don’t survive. Please donate in any way you can to UCD’s Relay for Life; all proceeds go directly to the running and extension of the Irish Cancer Society’s services, and will make a huge difference.