Latest news with #HopeCancerSupportCentre
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Dip in the Nip makes a cheeky return to Wexford to raise funds for two local organisations
This July, Dip in the Nip for both men and women returns with the men's event taking place on Saturday, July 19, and the ladies' event taking place on Sunday, July 20. It's Good to Talk, are a Wexford not – for – profit organisation who offer invaluable psychotherapy and counselling services to the local community from their town centre base in Wexford's Spawell road will benefit from the men's event while the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy will benefit from the ladies' event. The Wexford debut of the men's Dip in the Nip was last year and the event was very successful. The men's event last year raised over € 11,000, and the expectation is that the total amount raised will be larger this year. Men will bare almost all and will wear just a bow tie as they charge into the Irish Sea to raise funds and awareness for mental health. 'The men's Dip in the Nip is more than just running into the sea,' said organiser Bernard McGuinness. 'It's about stepping outside your comfort zone, letting go of expectations, and showing up for each other in the rawest, most honest way. We're encouraging everyone who dipped last year to bring a friend and help us double the impact in 2025.' And it's not just about the money. The fearless participants take part, spark important conversations and breakdown mental health stigma, in a fun way. 'Mental health is something I care deeply about, which is why I was more than happy to take part in both last year's and this year's dip. The Bow Tie Dip in the Nip isn't just a brilliant fundraiser, it's a powerful show of community spirit,' says Leo Coy, an It's Good to Talk committee member. 'The atmosphere on the day is electric. There's laughter, connection, and a real sense that we're all in it together, and for a great cause.' The event takes place at Rosslare Strand on Saturday July 19 at 7am. The following morning the women's Dip in the Nip takes place at the same time. Funds raised from this will support Hope Cancer Support Centre, celebrating courage, community and a shared commitment to both causes. If you'd like to take part and are over 18, come along on the morning of either event. Participants will gather at the beach beside the Community Centre in Rosslare Strand from 6:00 AM onwards. The dip will commence at 7am. If you prefer to support from the shore, you can donate online by clicking here Regardless of whether you're taking part, a supporter or just curious to check it out, all are welcome.
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Wexford village pub donates over €11,000 for Hope Cancer Support Centre
The Pike Inn in Camolin hosted multiple events to fundraise for the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy, including a table quiz, coffee morning and even raffling off a signed Johnny Sexton rugby hamper. Martina Kirwin of the local pub shared that the Hope Cancer Support Centre was chosen this year as a family member had recently been diagnosed with cancer. 'Unfortunately, there are a lot of people in the area with cancer,' Martina said. Ms Kirwin said they host a fundraiser every year and the idea to fundraise for the Hope Centre started when Martina asked to raffle off a Christmas hamper for the charity in the Pike Inn, which later became their chosen fundraiser for this year. 'We had a table quiz, a 50-50 draw where half the prize money went to one lucky winner. We had a 5K fun run, and we held a coffee morning and a bucket collection on Easter Saturday.' Martina praised the work and effort of the charity. 'They do such good work in there for free, so we just wanted to give something back'. Martina said they hope to continue fundraising for charities every year. 'Thanks to everyone that sponsored us, helped and supported us,' Martina said.
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Hope Centre Summer Solstice Walk cancelled after 14 years due to health and safety concerns – ‘It's was a very difficult decision'
While it may seem a simple event – a walk along one of Wexford's finest beaches, some meditation and a candlelight ceremony – the Hope Cancer Support Centre have been forced to cancel their annual Summer Solstice Walk and Ceremony of Light and Healing owing to health and safety concerns and additional requirements placed on them to obtain the required event insurance. The Enniscorthy-based cancer support charity has been running the event since 2011 and it's become an incredibly popular and important event, affording participants the opportunity to reflect on their own cancer battles or those of a loved one, remember those who've gone before and to just talk to people who've had similar experiences. This year, however, the event will sadly not go ahead, with some regular participants stating that it's another beloved event 'ruined by red tape'. "The difficult decision was taken following a health and safety risk assessment and a thorough review of the event,' Administration Manager at the Hope Cancer Support Centre Denise McDonald said. "It was a huge decision and we deliberated on it for a while. Unfortunately, there were additional health and safety requirements with the event being on the beach and it was just beyond our capacity. "We know people will be upset about it and that's why we're going to try and do some alternative events including a meditative video on our social media platforms and website and we're going to put a 'Tree of Hope' outside the centre here where people can place their own symbols and messages.' Details of these alternative events will be announced in due course, while a return of the Solstice Walk has not entirely been ruled out. "Well you'll note the wording that it's just cancelled for this year,' Denise says. 'It may go ahead again in the future, we just don't know. Unfortunately, we just don't have the capacity to do it this year and that's a decision we arrived at after much consideration.'
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Theatre school in Wexford hosts inclusive award ceremony where every student is recognised for their achievements
This event marked a significant milestone for the school's 130 students, with each student honoured for their dedication and achievements in the performing arts. Presentations were made by drama teacher and creative director Lily Henrich-Doyle, dance teacher and choreographer Madison Coleman, singing teacher and musical director Richard O'Toole as well as administrative director Susan Bell Flavin. Every student received an award of achievement, recognising their completion of one year's study in drama, dance, and singing. Additionally, each child was provided with detailed written feedback highlighting their progress and accomplishments in these areas. A cheque presentation was made by ITS student Louis O'Driscoll to Mairead Fanning, Chairperson of Hope Cancer Support Centre, Enniscorthy. The €250 donation was part of the proceeds from the sale of show programmes and raffle tickets from the schools performance of the musical Alice in Wonderland. The ceremony also featured several special awards to acknowledge exceptional talent and effort, including; outstanding students per class which recognised top students in each class for their exemplary performance and commitment. The winners of this award were; Columbine Class: Quinn Deveney and Robyn Langrell, Scapino Class; Gemma Halnon and Zoe Hobbs, Pierrot Class; Jay Swinburne and Rebecca Hughes, Harlequin Class; Bobby Halford and Erin O'Donohue, Domino Class; Eavann Bolger and Róisín Healy and Scaramouche Class; Lapo Olival, Lauren Croke and Jade (Dylan) Byrne. Students of the Year 2025 was awarded to the student who demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and growth across all areas of study. The winners of this award were Jay Swinburne and Keelin Kinsella. The Deirdre Shortt Memorial Award 2025; a prestigious award commemorating the late Deirdre Shortt, honoring a student who exemplifies her passion and spirit in the performing arts. Lauren Croke won this award. The PACE Award for Performance Arts Certificate of Excellence 2025: Celebrating outstanding achievement and excellence in performance arts. Winner: Sadie Nolan The EPIC Award for Extraordinary Performer of Imagination and Creativity 2025 was given to a student who shows remarkable creativity and imagination in their performances. The winner of this award was Danielle Mulhall. The Anne Shumate Aurora Award 2025 which recognised a student who radiates positivity and excellence was awarded to Roisín Healey. The Men in Black Award 2025, awarding excellent in creativity and dedication both behind and in front of the curtain. The winner of this award was Aleksandra Bujak.
Irish Independent
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Large crowd gathers for fundraiser marking the life of Wexford man who went the extra mile to help others
So far, €430 has been raised of the €500 target set for this year's Jack Morris Memorial Fundraiser. All all of the funds raised will once again go towards the Hope Cancer Support Centre. Jack was well-known in the local community as the former St Patrick's GAA Club groundskeeper and an avid GAA fan. Above all, he was a husband, brother, uncle and friend who went the extra mile to help others. The fundraiser was born out of grief after Jack lost his battle with cancer. His family decided to run the fundraiser as an annual event, with the hopes of creating a legacy which reflects Jack's life. Last year was the first year it was run and they raised an incredible €3,289 for the Hope Cancer Support Centre. For anyone who hasn't had the chance to donate, the iDonate fund will be open until June 4. Jack's niece, Amanda Murphy thanked everyone for coming on Sunday, making it another day Jack would be proud of. She also thanked all of those who helped out on the day with baking and doing the heavy lifting as well as the local businesses that donated raffle prizes.
