Music a major theme at 'Let's Talk About Cancer' sold-out event in Ballyshannon

The “Let's Talk About Cancer” event which is being held in the Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon on the morning of Saturday May 13 is now sold out.

As well as an impressive line of speakers the event will also feature music by Brian Kennedy, Diarmaid McGee and Deane James from Onoir and the Relay for Life Donegal Survivors Choir. 

Organiser Paul McLoone has also confirmed that due to popular demand the Finn Valley Men’s Choir has been added to the line up and that legendary Irish musician Seamus Sweeney is bringing a quartet of Irish musicians to play a number of tunes of welcome just before the programme commences.

Deane James

Let’s Talk About Cancer is being run to highlight the excellent support services available here in the North West and to encourage people to reach out for help if they are encountering difficulties because of cancer.  An estimated 2,300 people receive a cancer diagnosis in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim each year.

“Cancer sometimes only stays a brief time and then thankfully leaves again allowing people to get on with their lives,” says Paul McLoone. “Often however it stays longer causing havoc and upset and never ending worry until it is shown the door but on occasions unfortunately, it only leaves on one specific condition, that you leave with it. 

“The good news is that cancer is increasingly viewed as a disease from which people survive.  Thirty years ago, only 3 out of 10 survived a cancer diagnosis, today 6 out of 10 survive. That’s why it is so important as a community that we offer all the support we can to those experiencing difficulties. 

Diarmaid McGee

“I am delighted to say that the Irish Cancer Society, Relay for Life, Solace Donegal  Cancer Care Centre and the Sligo Cancer Care Centre will all be in attendance. We also wish to extend a special welcome to Cancer Connect NI who will have an information stand in the lobby that day.”

The event is being hosted by Tommie Gorman formerly of RTE and guests include singer/songwriter Brian Kennedy, Global hero of Hope Majella O’Donnell, RTE’s Evelyn O’Rourke, Surgeon Martin Caldwell, Motivational speaker Nikki Bradley, Corrinne Hasson from the Irish Cancer Society and former Leitrim goalkeeper Martin McHugh.

Brian Kennedy

If you or a loved one needs support contact the Irish Cancer Society’s Freephone Support email supportline@cancer.ie or call 1800 200 700.