Organisers of the 9th annual ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ charity walk are pleased to announce that this year’s walk raised an outstanding €53,991; and together with funds raised by an Absolute Airsoft Cork ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ charity game, the overall total raised in 2022 is €63,154.70 for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation. Like so many events over the last two years, the popular event was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so it made a very welcome return during the summer.

Over 280 people turned out for the 22km walk from The Viaduct on the N71 to the Town Hall in Bandon, which took place on Sunday, July 17th. The funds raised this year will go towards the development of the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre at 9 Dyke Parade in Cork City.

Set up in 2013 to remember Bandon man Mark Prendergast, who passed away from testicular cancer in 2012, the charity walk and supporting events have now raised over €430,000 for the Mercy Cancer Appeal, and in particular the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre. 

Commenting on the support the walk has received, Eoin Prendergast, Mark’s brother and one of the founding members of ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’, said:

Never in our wildest dreams could we have imagined how successful ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ would become, and that we would raise over €430,000 for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation. Following Mark’s passing in 2012, we wanted to do something special in Mark’s memory; as well as giving back to the Mercy for the amazing care and support they provided Mark and our family during what was a very difficult time. We are committed to securing funding to support current, former, and future cancer patients and their families at the Mercy Hospital.

Like the Prendergast family, many more families will continue to endure the devastating news of a cancer diagnosis. The funds raised through the ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ charity walk will go towards the Mercy University Hospital Foundation’s new Cancer CARE Centre, which will provide vital support for patients and their loved ones as they go through their cancer journey. The Mercy Cancer CARE Centre will provide a range of services, from one-to-one counselling and patient support groups, to a safe haven for patients at the time of their initial diagnosis. It will also be home to the hospital’s flagship psycho-oncology service to support the mental health and emotional needs of cancer patients and their families during such a difficult time. 

Construction work began in August at the 3,000 sq ft building that will be home to the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre, which is located just a minute’s walk away from both the main entrance to the Mercy University Hospital and its Outpatient Department, and it is expected to be complete in the second half of 2023. ‘Make your Mark’ hopes to surpass a target of €480,000 next year, the 10th Anniversary, which will equate to 20% of the funds required for the build. This is the Legacy goal for the four committee members who work tirelessly on the project year in year out. It’s a big goal but Making a Mark and making a difference needs big ambitions. 

Commenting on the phenomenal difference the funds raised from the ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ charity walk, Paschal McCarthy, CEO of the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, said:

I would like to thank the Prendergast family and every single supporter of the ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ charity walk for the phenomenal difference they have made since 2013. The funds raised have made a significant difference in continuously improving cancer services at the Mercy University Hospital.

Unfortunately, cancer will affect every single one of us, whether it’s personally or through a family member, which is often a very traumatic experience; and that is why the establishment of the new Mercy Cancer CARE Centre is so important, as it will offer comfort and support in such a trying time for families.

Thanking this year’s sponsors, Fiona Desmond said:

We would like to sincerely thank our main sponsors of this year’s walk, McCarthy Coaches who provided complimentary transportation for participants to the starting point and Acesigns for their continued support and backing. The ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ walk refreshment stops were sponsored by Dessi Electrical, Caulfields SuperValu and O’Sullivan’s Centra Innishannon. Thanks must also go to the emergency services – Blood Bike South, Red Cross and Gardai for their help on the day. We would also like to thank C103FM, our official media partner; and thanks must also go to Cllr Marie O’Sullivan.

Founding committee member, Carol Crean added:

We would like to thank the many people who raise funds for people who have passed due to cancer.  Over the years family, friends and colleagues have made a special efforts in memory of their loved ones. This year was no different, and an outstanding effort was made this year in memory of Jason Nyhan.

For more information on fundraising for the Mercy Hospital Foundation and information about the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre, visit www.mercyhospitalfoundation.ie.

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