UCD Relay For Life, a 24-hour cancer fundraising initiative in partnership with Irish Cancer Society, has completed another successful run this year.
UCD Relay For Life, a 24-hour cancer fundraising initiative in partnership with Irish Cancer Society, has completed another successful run this year.
UCD Relay For Life has grossed over €127,000 this year, surpassing its previously held record of highest grossing college relay event outside North America when it raised €86,000 in 2025.
The fundraiser, which raises money towards cancer research and awareness around the services provided by the Irish Cancer Society has been annually conducted at UCD since 2012. It is the biggest cancer fundraising initiative in the world. Held over the course of 24 hours, event teams take turns to walk, participate in activities and enjoy live entertainment together on the Athletics Track on the UCD Belfield campus.
Dan McGarry, Campaign Officer for Relay For Life from the Irish Cancer Society, said that this years’ event was made successful from teamwork and determination by students. “I think what’s beautiful about [this event] is it’s 100% student-led. The committee involved this year and over the last few years, all got involved for the right reasons. They truly want to make a difference and spread awareness,” he stated in a comment to the University Observer.
McGarry also says that the event is a culmination of 6 months of work and saw over 40 survivors taking part to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
Shen Lally, who participated in the fundraiser as part of the UCD DramSoc team, found the fundraising event to be enjoyable and a chance to collaborate with fellow students. “Relay for Life was really fun,” she commented. “I feel like 24 [hour] challenges let you make a lot of camaraderie with people because you see the same people doing laps all the time and the vibes were great. I definitely felt the toll the day after on Wednesday but everyone was in the same boat.”