PEOPLE of Kerry are urged to take on a ‘Marathon in a Month’ and reduce cancer risk while raising funds to support cancer patients
The Irish Cancer Society has launched Ireland’s first virtual marathon campaign, which aims to get people moving while raising vital funds to support people affected by cancer.
As part of the innovative fundraising campaign the Society is asking members of the public in Kerry to complete the distance of a marathon during the month of July and track their progress online as they complete the 42km.
Participants can walk, jog or run the marathon distance in a day, week, or over the whole month of July, completing the 42km in a way that is a challenge to themselves.
Each participant can link their everydayhero online fundraising page to their finesses app and keep track of their progress as they raise money to help the 40,000 people in Ireland who will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
A recent Healthy Ireland Survey has shown that just 32% of adults undertake the recommended level of physical activity, which is 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. The most common reason given for the lack of activity is being too busy.
Cancer incidence in Ireland is increasing, but during Men’s Health Week the Irish Cancer Society is reminding the public that four out of ten cancers are preventable. The EU Code Against Cancer recommends daily physical activity and a healthy body weight amongst it’s 12 step guide to reduce cancer risk.
To be a part of this epic challenge, join the team today at www.cancer.ie/marathoninamonth and help support families in Kerry who are affected by cancer.”
Money raised will also fund innovative cancer research projects, with €20m invested into lifesaving research by the Society since 2010. This investment has supported more than 150 cancer researchers to work on a diverse range of individual or collaborative projects that will ultimately lead to better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer.
For more information or to register to participate in Marathon in a Month visit www.cancer.ie/marathoninamonth