|
The journey of the Solas Centre began almost four years ago. What started as an ambitious project to provide the best level of cancer services to the people of the South East is now a reality.
Back in 2008, the South East Cancer Foundation outlined the need to expand support services to cancer patients in the region. Each year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny 2000 people are diagnosed with cancer. In 2011 alone cancer support was provided to 500 patients from the South East Cancer Foundation’s small house in Sealy Terrace in Earlscourt and subsequently from the new Solas Centre. The Solas Centre anticipates that it will be able to provide support to 1,000 patients in 2012.
2011 proved to be a very busy and productive year for the South Eastern Cancer Foundation.
 In January, while the Solas Centre was nearing completion the final touches to make it a state of the art facility were being put in place.
February 28th was moving day as the centre relocated to its new home from Sealy Close – a truly momentous and emotional day for all who had given so much of their time and energies.
By early March the new Centre was already experiencing a huge increase in people using their services.
In April, the Centre having opened just six weeks earlier was providing support to more than double the number of clients availing of their services. By the end of the month 60 new clients had visited the Solas Centre.
On May 14th, the Solas Centre officially opened its doors to fundraisers and volunteers. All those who had given so generously of their time and assistance were invited to see and experience the new facilities that were at the disposal of cancer patients and their families.
June brought some much anticipated sunshine and the Solas Centre’s first newsletter. Distributed to over 3,000 fundraisers and supporters of the Centre, the publication highlighted the experience of three people who were in some way affected by cancer. The stories were recalled by Joe Simpson, who was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in 2008, Brian Fanning with testicular cancer in 2007 and June Earl, who cared for her father Jimmy McGrath (R.I.P.), who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer four years ago.
In July, Republic of Ireland and Wolves star Stephen Hunt dropped in to the Solas Centre to launch the South East Run for Life. It was also an excuse to have a kick about with Adam O’Neill, a nephew of a Solas Centre patient.
The Hogs were out in force in August for the “Boobs ‘n’ Balls” Bike Trip which raised a staggering €23,145 for the Solas Centre.
September was another busy month for fundraising. The fantastic Roanmore GAA Blitz took place during the month followed closely by the Vintage Tractor Rally and the Mooncoin Vintage Club Family Day – three wonderful, fun-filled and entertaining fundraising initiatives!
 The sun shone in October and so did the 1,708 runners, joggers and walkers who took part in the South East Run for Life! The amount raised exceeded all projections and eclipsed previous year’s totals. With over €264,000 for The Solas Centre this amazing event was an even bigger success than ever imagined.
In November things moved up a gear as the Carrick on Suir Motor Rally Sprint got pulses racing! That month also saw the launch of the Autumn Art programme, in association with Waterford Healing Arts Trust, for people affected by cancer.
December sees The Solas Centre continually expanding its counselling and therapy services. Along with new programmes for groups including stress management and yoga, a new support programme for men were also introduced.
For more information about the cancer support services at the Solas Centre call 051 304604, visit www.solascentre.ie or check out the Facebook page Solas Centre – South Eastern Cancer Foundation. |
