Join #TeamMercy for the Women’s Mini Marathon on September 22nd

The Mercy University Hospital Foundation is inviting you to join the scores of women walking, jogging and running under the #TeamMercy banner on Sunday 22nd, September, for the 43rd annual Women’s Mini Marathon, the biggest event of its kind in Munster. The Mini Marathon last year introduced a shorter 5km route, so whether you are a seasoned runner, on a fitness mission, or are joining friends to enjoy the walk, the Mini Marathon is suitable for you.

For those who support the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, the atmosphere is always special, with people participating in support of loved ones undergoing cancer treatment; in memory of family or friends no longer with them; or simply to show their support and gratitude to the staff of the Mercy University Hospital for the care they show patients and their families.

Joining #TeamMercy this September is Andrea Hoye from Mitchelstown, who is participating in memory of her mother, Anna Cremins, who began treatment for Esophageal Cancer in ‘The Mercy’ in January 2021. Anna was admitted to St. Camillus ward in August 2023 for additional treatment, and sadly passed away on October 12th, 2023.

Andrea will be joined on September 22nd by her husband and two kids, as well as her brother Padraic, his wife and his two daughters, and explained why they have joined #TeamMercy: “For mum’s funeral, in lieu of flowers, our family asked for donations to Mercy University Hospital Foundation, and this raised over €500. Earlier this year we agreed to do some additional fundraising as our way of saying “thank you” for the care our mother received at ‘The Mercy’, and so decided to join #TeamMercy for the Mini Marathon as it is something we can all do together.”

Funds raised will help those who will go through the tough journey that cancer presents over the coming years, by funding key services and advancements in the treatment of and research into many cancers, and in particular the new Mercy Cancer CARE Centre, which opened its doors earlier this year at 9 Dyke Parade, Cork City.

Speaking about the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre, Louise O’Brien, Community Fundraiser with the Mercy University Hospital Foundation said “Over the last 15 years, hundreds of women, as well as plenty of men and children, have joined #TeamMercy; and numbers continue to grow each year. This is a reflection of the reality that cancer affects so many people, with approximately 42,000 people being diagnosed with cancer in Ireland each year, and countless families experiencing the journey at some point. We encourage you to join us this September and help raise funds for the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre, which provides a quiet and safe place for patients and their families to access an increasingly necessary range of services to support those affected both directly and indirectly by a cancer diagnosis.” 

Whether you walk or run with #TeamMercy, you will be making a real difference. Sign up now and you will receive your Mercy t-shirt ahead of the event. #TeamMercy will once again host its popular after-party at The Old Oak, with complimentary finger food and cocktails to celebrate and ease those tired muscles!

To join #TeamMercy call (021) 4274076 or visit www.mercyhospitalfoundation.ie to register. You MUST also register for the event via this link HERE.