21 June 2015
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
There are quite a few national charities which are based in Cork, among them is Breakthrough Cancer Research.
This weekend quote a crowd travelled to the 500 acre Millstreet country park today for the 3rd annual Kite Fest in aid of the charity.
Kite fans, kite flyers and families alike enjoyed the day’s activities where Ginormous 3D kites took to the skyes, along with kite-flying demos, kite making demos, a puppeteer who entertained young and old alike along with family games, a bouncy castle, face painting and much, much more all ensuring there was something for everyone on the day.
Now in its 3rd year Kite Fest was the brain child of nurse and cancer survivor Joanie Hanley. Joanie set about creating an event that was all inclusive. “As a cancer survivor, I wanted to come up with a way to support cancer research, I knew a marathon was out for me, so I came up with this idea because during my treatment, when I needed a boost, I could go out into the fresh air, fly my kite, look up and feel a sense of hope for the future. I want to share that feeling with others and in doing so help to raise money for such a worthy charity Breakthrough Cancer Research. Kite Flying is such an inclusive activity, and is suitable for all ages and motilities!”
Janice Sheehan of Millstreet Country Park said “we were delighted to host Kite Fest for a third consecutive year, the event has grown each year and this year was better than ever. Attendees took advantage of all the activities the 500 acre park has to offer, including walking, cycling and orienteering trails. We are thrilled to work with Joanie and raise vital funds for Breakthrough Cancer Research. We want to sincerely thank the public for supporting the event and we look forward to welcoming you all back to Millstreet Country park again this summer.”
Orla Dolan, Fundraising Director of Breakthrough Cancer Research said, “We are extremely grateful to Joanie and the team at Millstreet Country Park for their dedication in organising this fantastic family friendly event. We are delighted to be the recipient of this event and it is through vital fundraising and the generous support of the public which enables us to fund research into new treatments for poor prognosis cancers, 5 of which have already been brought to clinicians throughout the country. Thank you once again for supporting Kite Fest 2015”.
More about Breakthrough Cancer Research
Breakthrough Cancer Research was established as an official fundraising body for the National Research Programmes administered by Cork Cancer Research Centre. It builds on their history of over 15 years of research into cancer leading to more than 5 clinical trials and aims to better reflect the national and international impact of their work. It exists to inspire and enable financial support from the community for exceptional research leading to more effective treatments for patients in Ireland and beyond.
Monies raised through Breakthrough Cancer Research are used to support focused research programmes, directly fund scientists and purchase laboratory consumables. It will enhance facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and ensure that all cancer patients throughout Ireland have the opportunity to access the most up to date and effective treatment for their disease.
