10 August 2018

The Mercy Hospital Foundation is inviting you join #TeamMercy and be part of one of Cork’s biggest teams for Cork’s Mini Marathon on Sunday, September 16th. By joining you will lead the race against cancer by raising funds for The Mercy Cancer Appeal, funding key services and advancements in the treatment of and research into many cancers, and in particular funding The Mercy Cancer CARE Centre.

Last year over 100 enthusiastic ladies (and lads) joined #TeamMercy for Munster’s premier 4-mile road race, including mother and daughter team of Cork GP, Dr Sarah Fitzgibbon and Ellen Chambers, one of the Foundation’s youngest fundraisers. Mother of three, Sarah, who has been dealing with a cancer diagnosis, will once again join #TeamMercy, with Ellen crossing the finish line with her on September 16th.

41 year old Sarah from Ballinlough was diagnosed with liver metastasis, a malignant tumour in the liver that spread from another organ affected by cancer, in November 2014, and diagnosed with bowel cancer the next day; and has undergone treatment in the Mercy University Hospital since. Sarah regularly shares her personal cancer story on a personal blog entitled ‘Adventures of a Sick Doctor’. 

Launching this year’s Mercy Mini Marathon call out, Sarah said “Cancer can affect anyone, at any time in their lives, and I wanted to raise awareness for that; as well as raising funds for cancer care at the Mercy. I am so fortunate to have such great care available so close to home. Dr Derek Power and his team are so warm and caring, and the nurses in the Mercy are really friendly and they make me and my family feel very welcome. I’ve always been given outstanding care and been shown great kindness there.”

10 year old Ellen added to her mum’s sentiments, saying “I wanted to run the Mini Marathon for the Mercy to help the cancer ward because I didn’t like it when my mum had cancer – but they helped her to get better and I wanted to thank them. And because I like running, especially with my mum!”

Whether you want to walk or run in memory of a loved one, or make the Mini Marathon a team effort with family or friends, joining #TeamMercy will help raise money for cancer services in Cork and promises to be a great day out, and followed by an exclusive after-party at The Old Oak with complimentary finger food, cocktails, and fun to help ease those tired muscles! Anyone running in aid of The Mercy will also receive a t-shirt that they can personalise, perhaps writing in the name of the loved one they are running for on a customised front panel.

To be part of #TeamMercy on September 16th, you must register for your place directly on the Mini Marathon website (http://minimarathon.eveningecho.ie/), and then register for your #TeamMercy Mini Marathon Pack by calling (021) 4274076 or visiting www.mercyfundraising.ie.