Irish Rugby players Andrew Porter and Rory O’Loughlin get ‘exercised’ about breast cancer this October

Duo are supporting Irish Cancer Society’s Cups Against Breast Cancer campaign and raising awareness of the importance of exercise after cancer treatment

Irish Rugby teammates Andrew Porter and Rory O’Loughlin were put through paces of a different kind today as they joined a number of breast cancer survivors for a ‘Strides for Life’ exercise session in Herbert Park, Dublin. Strides for Life is one of the many free supports available to breast cancer survivors by the Irish Cancer Society.

Andrew and Rory joined forces with the ladies as part of the Irish Cancer Society’s Cups Against Breast Cancer campaign to highlight the importance of being physically active following cancer treatment. 

Over 3,100 women in Ireland each year receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Both Andrew and Rory’s families have been directly affected by breast cancer. Andrew’s mum Wendy sadly passed away from breast cancer when he was just 12 years old, while Rory’s mum Helen was treated for the disease in 2005. 

[[{"fid":"8346","view_mode":"teaser","fields":{"format":"teaser","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Andrew Porter & Rory O'Loughlin","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"teaser","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Andrew Porter & Rory O'Loughlin","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"alt":"Andrew Porter & Rory O'Loughlin","style":"float: right; margin: 5px 3px;","class":"media-element file-teaser","data-delta":"2"}}]]The pair took time out from their regular training for an exercise session with breast cancer survivors from Co. Louth and Meath who have taken part in the Irish Cancer Society’s walking programme for cancer survivors called Strides for Life. The 15 week programme, tailored to each individual to help build up their physical activity levels to reduce the risk of cancer coming back, is run through the Society’s affiliated Cancer Support Centres across the country. 

Andrew said, “One way we can all reduce our risk of cancer, and help prevent it from coming back is to engage in some form of regular exercise. When mum was alive she always encouraged me to get involved in sport and physical activity so it’s been part of my life since I was a child. I know the powerful benefits of exercise for both the body and mind so it’s fantastic to see a programme which is helping those who have been through difficult treatment to feel better mentally and physically. 

Rory added, “We are delighted to support women, and the small number of men who are fighting breast cancer in Ireland. My mum went through treatment and it’s tough, but thankfully she is doing well. Empowering people to get back into fitness after cancer is a great initiative and just one of the ways the Irish Cancer Society is supporting cancer survivors. Members of the public can help ensure those affected by breast cancer have the support they need by holding a Cups Against Breast Cancer coffee morning this October.”

Strides for Life is one of a number of free supports made available by the Irish Cancer Society for breast cancer survivors. Funds raised through campaigns like Cups Against Breast Cancer help support these programmes. 

This October members of the public can support people affected by breast cancer by hosting a Cups Against Breast Cancer coffee morning in their workplace or community. Get involved now at www.cancer.ie/cupsagainstcancer