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From Castlebar - County Mayo - Alison Laredo A massive big thank you to all who took part in Relay for Life Castlebar which took place last weekend in the TF Royal Theatre. Something very special happened over those 24hrs. Brave survivors of cancer, wearing their purple t-shirts opened the 24hr event by walking the opening lap - their honesty and bravery were inspirational and set the tone for the event. All of the 21 teams arrived, set up their stall and as soon as the clock started ticking, off they took and never left that track empty for all of the 24hrs, reminding us that cancer never sleeps. Neighbours chatted and got to know one another again; work colleagues became close teams bonded by Relay; young people laughed, played games, flirted and sumo wrestled; kids ran about playing and fell asleep on grandad's lap. Meanwhile ALL took a turn on the track - that track , somehow linked everybody there. Some left on Sat evening, returned on Sun and there was that track, still flowing, still full of people chatting, having deep conversations, renewing acquaintances. Sat evening saw the Candle of Hope ceremony - for about 20 minutes you could hear a pin drop in that vast theatre. As the 1500 candles were being lit all that could be heard was the click, click,click of the lighters. To the wonderful voice of Elaine Madden and music of Catherine Murphy, all remembered their near and dear as the candles fickered in the white bags and the word hope was spelled out in candlelight. There was hardly a dry eye in the place but nobody was alone with their tears. As the lights came back up, the track took on life again and people began to walk naturally around the track reminding us that cancer never sleeps.
Check out Alison Laredo's Website
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