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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Deputy principal of Mountmellick Community School Frances Kerry – La Rosa is taking part in the event at Emo Court.
Deputy principal of Mountmellick Community School Frances Kerry – La Rosa says she wishes she could bottle the atmosphere of an Irish Cancer Society Relay For Life Event.
The 53-year-old will be taking part in the Laois event in Emo Court this weekend.
“I volunteer with numerous groups, mainly working with young people, and have done so for over a decade. As I work in the post primary sector, I am passionate about encouraging young people to give back to society, whether it is helping their own community, a national cause or supporting each other, I feel it is important to experience the joy of giving back. There is so much to learn from volunteering," said Frances.
“We fundraise annually in school, and one year we decided to donate half our funds to the Irish Cancer Society Relay For Life Laois.
“From that point onwards, I personally felt drawn to the cause, I liked the idea that you are doing something at a county level, but also nationally. “We lost my mum to cancer in 2000 at the age of 61, just when she would have begun to enjoy retirement after a life of hard work and looking after everyone else. My wedding day was her last day out of bed before she passed away a month later. I have also lost numerous friends and other relatives to cancer. So, I really understand how cancer can impact people.
“The comradery at a Relay For Life event is beautiful. If we could bottle the atmosphere and emotionally charged air that exists at the Candle of Hope Ceremony, we would never even need to advertise the event. We are extremely privileged to have the most beautiful setting in Emo Court.
“When complete strangers ask about the Irish Cancer Society Relay For Life 24-hour walk or the candle bags, the conversation often moves on to their personal story. When they share this with you, there are sometimes no words to explain that honour and privilege. I would recommend anyone to volunteer or get involved, if they have the time, to give a little back and help support each other.”
Relay For Life Laois kicks off this Saturday, July 27 at 1pm at Emo Court House.
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