Local charity and Mayo GAA plan to conquer Croker
Local charity Mayo Cancer Support Association, in conjunction with Mayo GAA, is planning a trip to Croke Park like no other on Friday, October 10, next.
On that date, it is hoped to have up to 100 people take turns to abseil 150ft from the roof of the national stadium while raising much-needed funds to support the operations of Mayo Cancer Support which provides free emotional support to anyone who has been impacted by a cancer diagnosis or bereavement.
The event, dubbed the Brave the Drop Challenge, was officially launched in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar, last Friday night.
As the official charity partner of Mayo GAA this year, Mayo Cancer Support is recruiting up to 50 members from GAA clubs all over the county to undertake the abseil challenge and some well-known players have already signed up to take part.
The remaining 50 places are available to anyone else who might be interested in participating.
Speaking at the launch, Mayo Cancer Support Association manager, Orla Gillespie, said Mayo Cancer Support depends on fundraising to cover up to 45% of its annual operating costs and also has ambitious plans to expand its services in the coming years.
The abseil challenge appealed to the charity as it offers participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in return for their fundraising efforts.
Abseiling is also analogous to the work of Mayo Cancer Support which offers those experiencing the challenges of a cancer journey the vital support they need until they get their feet back on the ground, she added.
Cathaoirleach of Mayo GAA, Seamus Tuohy, said this is a very worthy cause and the county board and all the clubs in the county are delighted to support Mayo Cancer Support Association.
“There is not a single family in this county that hasn’t being affected by cancer at some stage and in some way and the county board are delighted to support organisations like Mayo Cancer Support who do tremendous work supporting individuals and families in every way possible when the need is greatest,” he remarked.
Other speakers on the night included Mayo Cancer Support Association chairperson Joan Fitzgerald, who outlined how she had personally availed of and benefited from the charity’s services during her own cancer experience. Senator Mark Duffy and Deputy Paul Lawless also addressed the attendance.
If you are celebrating a milestone birthday, anniversary or any other special occasion this year and would like to mark it with a unique challenge, or if you have been impacted by cancer and would like to give back then the Brave the Drop Challenge is for you.