‘Walk this way’ for cancer research fundraiser

ONE has climbed Everest twice and walked to the South Pole. The other has eight All-Ireland senior football medals and nine All-Star awards.

Now adventurer Pat Falvey and Kerry football legend and pundit Pat Spillane are lacing up their walking boots to help fight cancer.

They will lead over 250 people in the Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk from July 22 to 24, to raise money for the Cork Cancer Research Centre (CCRC).

The leading centre is developing ground-breaking cancer research and treatments, including a new genetic therapy which helps the body’s own immune system to recognise and kill cancer cells. Researchers said this offers the best long-term hope for curing cancer at the advanced stage where the disease has spread throughout the body.

The guided walks incorporate impressive mountain views, dramatic peaks and glens, wild moorlands, wooded paths and lakes, and the routes are as follows:

* Friday — 28km from Sneem to Kenmare;

* Saturday — 26km from Lauragh to Kenmare;

* Sunday — 17km from Killarney to Kenmare.

The event has raised almost €400,000 in the past four years.

Last year, it raised €75,000 but organisers are hoping to break the €100,000 barrier this year.

CCRC researchers have figured out why certain cancers such as oesophageal, ovarian and leukaemia do not respond to current chemotherapy regimes and they have developed a combination treatment which works. They need money to accelerate this treatment from the lab into the clinic.

* Register online for the walk on www.kerrywaycancerwalk.ie.