Cancer charity unveils €2.6m research plans

A leading cancer charity today announced its intention to invest €2.6m in research into the disease this year.

Cancer Research Ireland, the research division of the Irish Cancer Society, will fund work at hospitals and universities throughout the country.

The charity took the decision in a bid to develop the cancer research climate in Ireland and aid cancer prevention, better patient care, and the development of new treatments.

Professor Cliona O’Farrelly, Chairperson of Cancer Research Ireland and Research Immunologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, made the announcement at the launch of the annual Terry Fox Runs, which will be held in 60 venues around the country on Sunday, October 15 in aid of cancer research.

“The Irish Cancer Society is the largest voluntary funder of cancer research in this country and the funding represents a significant expenditure and commitment for the society,” she said.

“Seeing groups of scientists and clinicians from all over Ireland come together and tackle the challenges in the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer is really exciting and crucial in improving the outlook for all cancer patients in Ireland.”

The Terry Fox Runs were inspired by Terry Fox, who in 1980 aged 21, having lost a leg to bone cancer, set out to run across his native Canada to raise funds for cancer research.

With one artificial limb, he ran almost 3,500 miles over 143 days.

Terry died before his journey could be completed but hundreds of Terry Fox Runs held in 50 countries around the globe make the annual Terry Fox Run the world’s largest single-day fundraiser for cancer research.

Last year the Terry Fox Runs around Ireland raised almost €300,000.

To find out about organising or joining the run nearest you, call the Terry Fox Runs Registration Hotline on CallSave 1850 60 60 60 or visit: www.cancer.ie