16 July 2019
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Going the Extra Mile! Caitriona O’Donovan of software firm Red Hat jumping for joy with colleagues (From Left) Amanda Walker, Ashley Moore, Austin Geary and Conor Burke who are gearing up to complete a bed push in aid of the Mercy University Hospital Foundation during the ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ charity walk which takes place on Sunday, July 21st. The popular 22km walk is open to people of all ages and abilities which will see participants make their way from The Viaduct on the N71 to the Town Hall in Bandon. Pic: Rob Dunne
With their walking shoes at the ready, a number of employees at Cork based software firm Red Hat will be sure to turn some heads at the 2019 ‘Make Your Mark On Cancer’ charity walk as they gear up to complete a bed push in aid of the Mercy University Hospital Foundation during the walk which takes place on Sunday, July 21st.
No short distance, the 22km walk which is celebrating its seventh year will see participants make their way from the Viaduct on the N71 to the Town Hall in Bandon. Since the walk was established in 2013, Red Hat have supported the walk each year, raising a total of €8,500.
In memory of Bandon man Mark Prendergast, the ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ charity walk was established by Mark’s family and friends following his passing in 2012, having sadly lost his battle with testicular cancer. Funds raised from the charity walk will go towards the Mercy University Hospital Foundation’s new Cancer CARE Centre which will support people diagnosed with cancer on their journey. Funds raised will also go towards the Mercy University Hospital’s Psycho-Oncology service for its patients. Marymount University Hospital and Hospice will also benefit from the funds raised and will receive €5,000 following the walk.
Commenting ahead of the ‘Mark Your Mark on Cancer’ charity walk on July 21st, Ashley Moore, Revenue Royalty Analyst at Red Hat said, “We are delighted to once again support the amazing ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ charity walk. We get such a great kick from being involved each year and most importantly raising crucial funds for cancer services here in Cork. This year, we decided to shake things up a little and the bed at the start line won’t be for resting but for pushing by members of our team here at Red Hat. Unfortunately, we will all be affected by cancer at some stage in our lives whether it’s personally or through a loved one and we want to do whatever we can to help raise funds and awareness.”
Complimentary buses generously provided by event sponsor, McCarthy’s Coaches, will depart from Kelleher’s Builder Providers from 9am to drop walkers to the Viaduct to begin their walk. There will also be a starting point in Innishannon for those who want a shorter option, starting there at 12.30pm. Details are available now at www.makeyourmark.ie.
The main sponsors of this year’s ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ walk are Ace Signs and McCarthy Coaches. The ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ walk refreshment stops are sponsored by Caulfields Supervalu Bandon, Dessie Electrical, TSB Bandon, O’Sullivan’s Centra Innishannon and ABP Bandon. A number of local businesses including Bracken Foam Fabricators, Hahnel Industries, Donpack Packaging & Logistics and Patrick Horgan Tyre Services have also committed their support to the ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ walk and the Mercy Hospital Foundation.
The walk on July 21st is open to people of all ages and abilities. Registration is €25 and participants can sign up on the morning of the walk at 8am. The walk commences at 9am with refreshments along the way for participants.
For further information on the ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ charity walk, www.makeyourmark.ie contact info@makeyourmark.ie or call 086 4542132.
For more information on the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre visit www.mercyfundraising.ie.
As a result of their continuous hard work and support of the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, Red Hat will attend the 2019 Mercy Stars Awards at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Friday 27th September where they are nominated for a Mercy Star in the Corporate Partnership category.
