Take on Marathon in a Month and reduce cancer risk while raising funds for cancer patients

The Irish Cancer Society is calling on the public to take part in Ireland’s only virtual marathon campaign this July. Marathon in a Month aims to get people moving while raising vital funds to support people affected by cancer.

As part of the fundraising campaign the Society is asking members of the public to complete the distance of a marathon during the month of July and track their progress online as they complete 42km.

Last year participants around the country clocked up a total of 12,598 kilometres and this year the Society wants to get more people moving. Cancer incidence in Ireland is increasing, but the Society is reminding the public that four out of ten cancers are preventable. 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week and being a healthy body weight are some of the ways of reducing cancer risk according to the European Code Against Cancer.

Aidan O’Malley from Dublin took part last year after his own fight with cancer.

He said, “In October 2016 I was diagnosed with cancer. To say it was a shock is an understatement. I started treatment that November. Thankfully it was a success and I was given the all clear. The challenge of running was daunting but I thought if I got through treatment I could get through 42km. I ran for everyone touched by this disease. The Irish Cancer Society provide invaluable support to all those affected by cancer and without them the journey would be far tougher.”

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Pictured: Aidan and his daughter

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 fitness 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.

Mark Mellett, Head of Fundraising at the Irish Cancer Society said, “Get active this July and take part in your own personal marathon and make a difference to the lives of people affected by cancer. Every week we should be doing 150 minutes of physical activity. That’s the same number of people who get a cancer diagnosis in Ireland every day. Take on the Marathon in a Month challenge and make every step matter by getting your friends to sponsor you and help us to provide care, information and support for cancer patients and their families.”

For more information or to register to participate in Marathon in a Month visit www.cancer.ie/marathoninamonth.