Businesses to raise €200,000 for cancer treatment

BUSINESSES have joined forces in Limerick to raise €200,000 for cancer treatment equipment.

BDO Simpson Xavier unveiled their Get Back Challenge, Business Against Cancer initiative.

It will involve a 100-kilometre cycle from Limerick to Doonbeg, Co Clare, on July 1.

The challenge has brought together a range of business sponsors that includes AIB, Bank of Ireland, Bloxham Stockbrokers, and solicitor firms Leahy & Partners and Sweeney McGann.

Speaking at the launch, Brian McGann said: “The Business Against Cancer programme has been devised to bring together as many businesses as possible to make a telling contribution to cancer care in the region.

“It is significant that a number of our sponsors work in the same sectors but have come together for this event.”

He said this demonstrated the strength of feeling in the business community towards cancer care and the opportunity to join together and contribute something tangible.

In addition to the 100km charity cycle event, the challenge includes a children’s activity and nutrition educational element which will be aimed at parents, sports coaches and teachers.

Mr McGann said: “The main message of the educational project is to encourage people to getting back to looking at their activity and nutrition habits.

“Recent research by the World Cancer Research Fund has highlighted how 30% to 40% of cancers can be prevented by being physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight and eating healthily.”

The activity and nutrition campaign will include a major autumn seminar that will bring together top sports personalities, coaches and health experts.

“We felt that it is important to address the issue of sports activity and nutrition among children as part of the project,” ” Mr McGann said.

“It is will hopefully create awareness of the health benefits of sports activity and also the first step in leading a healthy lifestyle.

“The educational aspect of the Get Back Challenge has generated phenomenal levels of interest from parents and sports clubs.”