The Irish Cancer Society lights up hope in Christ Church Cathedral this December
The Irish Cancer Society will light thousands of candles in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin 8 at 6 pm on Tuesday, 15 December in a special celebration to send a message of hope to all those in Ireland affected by cancer this Christmas.
People will begin to arrive after 5 pm and have time to find their dedicated candle bag before the event begins at 6pm with some words from CEO of the Irish Cancer Society John McCormack, then the lights will be turned down as Edel and Des Marron sing Amazing Grace, this will be followed by stories of hope and songs. To close the event people are invited to take a silent lap of the cathedral taking in the spectacular sight of historic Christ Church Cathedral lit only by thousands of candles of hope. At this time people can read messages dedicated to loved ones, and reflect on their hope for the future.
Over 35,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year – with 150,000 people living with the disease. Every family in Ireland is affected by cancer and this December the Society is inviting them to come together and shine a light of hope into the darkness of this disease, working together for a brighter future without cancer.
Candle bags can be decorated and dedicated to someone you care about, whether you want to celebrate someone who has survived cancer, remember someone you lost from the disease or send out a message of hope to someone you love.
To make sure your message is included in this very special event - visit www.cancer.ie/candleofhope to dedicate your own candle bag today.
John McCormack, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society said: “One in three people in Ireland will hear the words ‘You have cancer’ during their lifetime. We understand the impact cancer can have on an individual and their family. We are hosting this Christmas Candle of Hope event, lighting thousands of candles, to let people know that there is hope in the face of cancer. In Ireland, 60 per cent of people diagnosed are now alive five years after diagnosis. The Irish Cancer Society is here to help cancer patients, we are here to support them and their families with vital cancer services. For those who we have lost to cancer, we will light a candle and have hope that our cancer research efforts will result in better outcomes for cancer patients in the future.”
All donations received from the candles will fund the Society’s mission for a future without cancer, this includes; vital services such as the Cancer Information Service incorporating the Cancer Nurseline and 13 Daffodil Centres across the country offering cancer information, support and advice; Volunteer Driver Service, a free transport service for cancer patients attending chemotherapy treatment in hospitals; financial aid for those undergoing financial hardship as a result of their diagnosis and a Night Nursing service where cancer patients who are at the end of their cancer journey are nursed at home surrounded by the ones they love.
Aside from supporting cancer patients, the Society is also the leading voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland, working to find better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer.
For more information on our services, please call the Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700 or visit www.cancer.ie.
