An Cosantóir

|9 Miles for Smiles Torch of Hope By Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald M ost readers of An Cosantóir will have been touched by cancer either directly or indirectly. It is important for these people to know that ARC is there for them, providing care and advice that will complement and work in tandem with their medical treatment. ARC Cancer Support Centre provides a drop-in service and professional support to all men and women affected by cancer and those who care for them. The services provided are holistic and complement primary medical treatment. All services are free of charge with each house catering for approximately 1,000 visitors a year. One of the foundering members of Sgt Martin Gillick (PSS, DFHQ) is pictured on the day with fellow survivor Jacqui Daniels ARC in 1994, Comdt George Kerwin (retd), explained the importance of the complementary support people receive from ARC: "While surgery and treatment deal with the physical aspects of cancer there is also a huge psychological and emotional support necessary. ARC helps cancer patients and their families come to terms with a cancer diagnosis, and the stress and anxiety it brings, by providing professional support, counselling and complementary therapies in a warm and caring environment in the ARC houses." This year ARC organised a 'Torch of Hope' relay, which took place on October 14th, to raise much needed funds and to raise awareness of the charity. The essence of the Torch of Hope relay is that it gives family, friends and Dublin communities an opportunity to support people who have fought cancer, and to commemorate lost loved ones. The community and fundraising team event saw teams of 10/15 people starting the relay at designated spots along Dublin Bay. During the event the torch was passed from one team to the next along the route. The final lap was dedicated to cancer survivors who carried the Torch of Hope to its final destination at the CHQ building in the IFSC. The magnificent organising committee was headed by Sgt Martin Gillick of Personnel Support Services (PSS), DFHQ. ARC's director of fundraising, Mairéad Mangan, said: "Martin and George ran the event with military precision and a very successful and enjoyable day was had by all, with IUNVA also lending their support on the day and adding a bit of colour and excitement along the route." To date €55,000 has been raised through this event. If you would like to contact ARC, you can call anytime and speak to a member of staff or trained volunteers at: ARC, Eccles St, Dublin 7 (01 8307333); ARC, 559 South Circular Road, Dublin 8 (01 7078880); or visit www.arccancersupport.ie. www.mycharity.ie/donate_charityIndex.php?charityID=24 Members of INUVA Post 1, pictured during the relay: (l/r) Seán Roddy, John Tuomey and John Brady Photos: ARC/IUNVA Comdt George Kerwin (retd) with Olympic silver medallist John Joe Nevin, who launched the relay by running the first leg from Howth. Niamh's mother with overall winner Pte Gormley and Pte Mee (retd) By Lt John Byrne (A Coy, 27 Inf Bn) O n October 10th 2012, 89 personnel took part in the Miles for Smiles challenge to raise money for Temple Street Hospital. The event, organised by Sgt Brendan Murray (PTI Sgt, Aiken Bks), saw competitors from 27 Inf Bn, 2 Cav Sqn, 2 LSB, EUBG, 2 Inf Bn, 5 Inf Bn, DFHQ, and McKee Bks Coy, walking or running 8km along the Táin Way. Miles for Smiles is a fundraising charity for Temple Street Hospital that was set up in memory of Niamh Ní Doibhilín, who sadly passed away in 2003 aged only fourteen-and-ahalf after suffering with the rare condition neurofibromatosis (NF) since birth. Before the start of the race competitors were offered the choice between running or walking the route, with the walkers heading off first. Competition between the runners was fierce with a brisk pace from the outset. First place went to Pte Gormley (2 LSB) with an impressive time of 30:01. For the ladies, first place went to Cpl Robinson (McKee Bks Coy) with a time of 52:15. In total €930 was raised from the event, and Niamh's mother Mila was on hand to present the awards and to thank all the competitors for making a valuable contribution to this worthwhile charity. Runners before the start www.military.ie the defence forces magazine

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