WelcomeI would like

to welcome e v e r y o n e

to our latest newsletter.

Many suc-cessful events have been org-anised to pro-mote awareness

of the Solas Centre and fundraise for our services. New events this year included the Solas Strictly Let’s Dance Waterford which was held in March and proved to be an inspiring entertaining event with stylish performances by the participants. The “Solas 500” was held in June and involved 11 cyclists cycling 500 kilometres from the Giants Causeway to Tramore in less than 24 hours! Most of us would be tired just driving that distance... I wish to offer a sincere thank you to everyone who organised and supported all events associated with the Solas Centre in 2015.

The 2015 South East Run for Life and Fun for Life will take place on

Sunday October 11th. We welcome a new chairman for the event organising committee, Michael Garland and new committee members, Matt Shanahan and Sinead Flynn. They will be part of the team which will organise a superb 2015 South East Run for Life & Fun for Life. This year, there is no excuse for not taking part as we have a new “5 mile” route which will be especially suitable for families and walkers. This route will be in addition to our “Classic” 10 mile route.

Our fundraising this year will go to funding enhanced client services. We conducted a review process in the last year with the community whom we serve, and we will extend our opening hours to improve access to the centre. We are also continuing to expand our services offered to clients to include a prostate cancer support group.

Currently the Solas Centre is supported by 61 volunteers, over 20 counsellors & thera-pists, 6 community employment scheme workers, 3 part time

staff and 1 full time staff member. I wish to acknowledge the essential contribution of everyone which ensures we can deliver services to support and empower those affected by cancer.During the first 6 months of 2015, 230 clients have engaged with the services provided by the Solas Centre. Twenty five percent of these clients were men which highlights the challenges for men to engage and access support services.

I will conclude by offering our continued support, understanding and respect to those affected by cancer (including clients of the Solas Centre). As always, we appreciate any feedback or suggestions regarding the services provided by the Solas Centre.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Brian Creedon

Solas Brought Dancing Fever to Town!The Solas Strictly Let’s Dance

event saw pure magic on the dancefloor as 58 dancers took to the stage to perform various dance styles and compete for the highly coveted title, 2015 Dance-floor Champions. The dancers, 29 men and 29 women from across Waterford took part in this very special event where absolute beginners underwent an 8 week training programme and were transformed into dazzling twinkle toes!

The dancers provided an amazing weekend of dancing entertainment for the appreciative audience of 1500 people in WIT. In addition to learning their dance routines, the dancers were very active on fundraising activities for the Solas Centre with the support of their family and friends.

Ciara Grant and Sean Connolly crowned

Waterford’s King and Queen of the dance floor 2015

Thank you to our wonderful supporters

Client Testimonial

When I was dia-gnosed with breast cancer in 2009, a friend told me about the Solas Centre. She was in similar

circumstances the previous year. She had availed of the services and highly recommended the centre. As a result I wasn’t very nervous

going to Solas for the first time. My only concern was what I would talk about! I needn’t have worried. At my first meeting I was still there three hours later and the time just flew by.

At that time the present Solas hadn’t been built. Even though the building was much, much smaller the welcome at Solas was always wonderful. The team put you at ease straight away and the atmosphere is always warm and friendly.

I went to counselling, reflex-ology and I joined the art and craft group. All three were brilliant. The counselling helped me to get things straight in my head and allowed me to voice my worries without burdening family or friends. The reflexology was so soothing and relaxing. The art and craft group gave me a whole new set of friends and support system. We host an Annual Art and Craft

Fair every December and sell the beautiful paintings and craft items we have made throughout the year. This year our Art and Craft Fair is taking place on Saturday 5th December. The funds raised from our fair go to support the ongoing provision of services in the Solas Centre which gives the group a great sense of pride and achievement. I would strongly encourage anyone suffering from cancer, and their families, to contact the Solas Centre. You will never look back!

I took part in the “South East Run for Life” in 2013 and again in 2014. I didn’t do any training the first year and was crippled by the end of the 10 miles! I learnt my lesson for the next year. The sense of camaraderie and support on the walk is hard to explain. This year I plan to take it easy and take part in the 5 mile family walk!

Maria Waldron

E n c o u n t e r s with cancer vary. It’s not easy to cope, irrespective of one’s strength, medical help or

support of family and friends. The range of services offered, free of charge, by the South Eastern Cancer Foundation can and does provide light. Appropriately, their friendship is termed “Solas” - the Irish for light.

In 2010, Siobhán was diagnosed with melanoma. We had two young children and, whilst initiating treatment, discovered Siobhán was expecting our third. Despite

intensive surgery, the pregnancy survived. Months later, however, the cancer returned. Our daughter had to come out six weeks early, amidst more surgery. Later, Siobhán required oncology and was prescribed the newly approved ipilimubab. Complications arose in 2012 and chemotherapy, radiosurgery and radiotherapy followed. In February 2013, Siobhán’s prognosis was months rather than years and by June, it was weeks.

On Saturday 27th July, Siobhán texted invites for our eldest son’s eighth birthday set for the following Saturday. In the meantime, cancer eventually took her. Ruán’s party went ahead, as his Mom wished, and Siobhán’s funeral was two days later. Since then, there’s a tree and plaque in Siobhán’s memory at the park in Dunmore East - looking out to the sea where her ashes were scattered.

I wouldn’t wish our journey on anyone. From the first steps, up to today in the case of mine and the children’s, the Solas Centre has been there for us. Initially, it was an independent source for Siobhán to talk to. In turn, she attended for

reflexology. Solas was a kind of oasis and the counselling there was invaluable. I’ve availed of it myself. Conscious of possible effects on our children, all five of us participated in art therapy sessions. After Siobhán’s passing, I’ve turned to Solas to underpin comprehension of and reaction to all that has happened. Being a friend of the Solas Centre helped Ruán, Sadhbh, Gráinne and I to be as resilient as we could and can be.

Ebullient and interested in others, Siobhán in 2009 prior to cancer being currency in our own lives, ran in the Solas “South East Run for Life”. Subsequently, I’ve walked it. I’ll be very proud when our three children will have the opportunity to join me in doing so in 2015.

We’ll never forget the extra-ordinary person that Siobhán was. In our lives, she is a light that will never go out. The Solas Centre is also a resource beyond the ordinary, a light that should be there for others to see and benefit from. Please join us in supporting the “South East Run for Life 2015”

Fiachra O’Ceilleachair & Children

CREATIVE ART THERAPY FOR ADULTS

LEGAL CONSULTATIONHEAL

YOUR LIFE

South East Run for Life 2015The 2015 Solas Centre South

East Run for Life will this year have an additional 5 mile Walk for Life included as part of this fundraising event.

Members of the public and supporters of the South East Run for Life had asked about the creation of a shorter route that would accommodate more families and past users of the Solas Centre participate. Thus, the 2015 event, we are delighted to say, will include a shorter and much less demanding 5 mile walk starting and finishing in the same place as the much longer and tougher 10 mile run.

This year we would encourage as many people as possible to participate in the 5 mile Walk for Life therefore allowing more the competitive runners to complete the much tougher 10 mile course.

Due to the nature of both routes we anticipate that both runners and walkers will arrive into the People’s Park at roughly the same time and thus the Fun for Life, in the Park, will be a much bigger and more inclusive event in 2015.

Along with our sponsors we have set a target of encouraging 2015 participants and with your help I am sure we will hit this ambitious target.

Remember that the 2015 Solas Centre South East Run for Life is aimed at creating a greater awareness of the services available from the Solas Centre.

Whether you decide to run or walk we look forward to seeing you at the start line on the 11th October and welcoming you across the finish line in the People’s Park.

Michael Garland, Chair of South East South East South East Run for Life 2015

Our Sponsor Partners

Phone: 353 (0)51 304 604Visit: South Eastern Cancer Foundation, Solas Centre, Ardkeen, WaterfordWeb: www.solascentre.ieCharity No: CHY 15280

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CANCER INFORMATION

RESOURCES

STRIDES FOR LIFE WALKING

PROGRAMME

CONFIDENTIAL, EMPATHIC LISTENING

ART PSYCHOTHERAPY

FOR ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN

MEDITATION/RELAXATION/

STRESS MANAGEMENT

BRIGHTER DAYS, BEAUTIFUL WAYS

CHIROPODY

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

GROUP

COUNSELLING

DROP-IN WELCOME

WOMEN’S SUPPORT

GROUP

MASSAGE

MEN’S SUPPORT

GROUP

REIKI

YOGA

OURTHERAPEUTIC

OPTIONS

MINDFULNESS CLASSES

REFLEXOLOGY

Solas Support Resources At the Solas Centre we offer emotional support to those affected by cancer, including family

members and carers. Our services, which are available to people in Waterford and the South East, are free of charge and are 100% funded through the generosity of the community.