New cancer support centre earmarked for Tullamore

Plans are afoot to put a specialist cancer support centre in place at Tullamore hospital within the next twelve months. That's according to Irish Cancer Society co-ordinator Kevin Delaney, who visited Tullamore this week for a meeting to explore the option of Tullamore becoming the eighth town in Ireland to stage an Irish Cancer Society "Relay for Life". The service, known as a daffodil centre, is staffed by nurses with experience in cancer care along with volunteers and provide cancer information, support and advice to all without need for referrals or appointments. Daffodil Centres are already in place in seven hospitals in Dublin, Galway and Cork. Mr Delaney explained to those present that "Relay for Life" is a 24-hour team relay along with a variety of entertainment that sees the community come together to fight back against cancer in a positive way. He said that when we hear the word cancer we think of sickness and fear, but "Relay for Life" is about laughter, joy and hope. The event begins with a cancer survivor's lap and includes a candle of hope ceremony as dusk falls on the event. Mr Delaney said education and awareness is a big part of the event. He outlined that 400 people were diagnosed with cancer in Offaly in 2010. However last year he said that while 250 nights of care were provided in the county along with €14,000 financial aid to cancer patients, only 100 calls were taken from Offaly at the Irish Cancer Society's 1800 200 700 helpline number. He said he'd like to see the number of people reaching out for help rise, something an event like "Relay for Life" could promote. "Relay for Life" is a global event held in more than 20 countries worldwide, and will this year take place in seven locations in Ireland. Annette McDevitt from Ballinasloe's "Relay for Life" told the meeting Offaly wouldn't regret organising an event. She also said organisers could "steal" Ballinasloe "Relay for Life" MC Nigel Sammon, himself a Tullamore man. For more information on "Relay for Life" and what it entails see www.cancer.ie/relayforlife.