Kildare woman urges people to take part in Irish Cancer Society's Relay For Life event in Curragh

A Kildare woman has urged people to take part in the Irish Cancer Society Relay for Life taking place at the Curragh Racecourse on June 7.

Marcella Howard (68) from Suncroft, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 at age 51.

She later ended up testing positive for the BRCA gene.

Her sister also received her own breast cancer diagnosis three years ago.

Marcella is a dedicated supporter of the Irish Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Kildare, this year taking place on the 7th of June at the Curragh Racecourse. 

Relay for Life is a 24-hour event that sees teams take laps of the Relay course throughout the day and night, to remember those who have been lost to the disease and to celebrate survivorship.

There is also a moving Candle of Hope ceremony, where people purchase candle bags in advance and decorate them in memory of loved ones who’ve passed away.

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The bags are then illuminated by candles and line the track in a beautiful show of remembrance.

However, Relay is also an uplifting event, which celebrates survivorship and features fun for all the family.

Marcella has encouraged people from Kildare to take part.

The funds raised at Relay for Life are essential to enable the Irish Cancer Society to provide free, vital support services to people affected by cancer across Ireland, and to fund groundbreaking research.

Marcella said: “I would encourage anyone considering getting involved in the Irish Cancer Society Relay for Life, to just go for it! You become part of a very driven group of people, who want to give back to society.

"They are thankful for surviving their disease or thankful for they support received when they had a loved one sick.

"It’s a decision you will never regret and will offer you so many rewards.”