Kildare cancer survivor urges people to sign up for Relay for Life fundraiser
Relay for Life taking place at Curragh Racecourse on June 6
A Kildare cancer survivor has urged people to sign up for the Relay For Life fundraiser at the Curragh Racecourse on June 6.
Registration is now open for the 24-hour fundraising event, which begins at 1pm and brings local communities together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and support families affected by the illness.
Relay For Life sees teams take turns walking throughout the day and night, ensuring someone is always moving during the full 24-hour period. One of the most emotional moments of the event is the survivors’ lap, where people living with or beyond cancer officially open the Relay. Another major feature is the Candle of Hope ceremony, during which personalised candle bags are lit in honour of loved ones and survivors.
Kilkea woman Karen Langton, 41, who has been recognised by the American Cancer Society as a Global Hero of Hope, was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2025 after doctors discovered a tumour while treating a cyst in her breast.
“The first thing I thought of were my children, Kate and Adam,” Karen said. “It was all such a shock and completely unexpected.”
Karen began chemotherapy only days before last year’s Relay For Life Kildare. Having attended the event every year since 2016 because of her family’s connection to cancer, she was determined to attend again, this time wearing a purple survivors’ t-shirt.
“I went to the survivors’ lunch and everyone was so welcoming,” she said. “It was comforting to meet people who understood exactly what I was going through.”
Karen underwent surgery, lymph node removal, six rounds of chemotherapy and 15 rounds of radiotherapy, completing treatment last October. She is now continuing hormone treatment and says she is doing well and looking forward to this year’s event with her family.
Karen described the Candle of Hope ceremony and Silent Lap as especially moving moments during the Relay.
“Relay For Life shows us the reality of cancer, and it’s a 24-hour event because cancer doesn’t sleep,” she said.
Karen is encouraging people across Kildare to register teams, buy candle bags or attend the event. Funds raised help provide vital Irish Cancer Society services and support groundbreaking cancer research throughout Ireland.
Ciara Hughes, Relay For Life Campaign Manager with the Irish Cancer Society, said public support for the event continues to make a meaningful difference to families facing cancer. She said Relay For Life gives communities an opportunity to come together in solidarity while helping to ensure that nobody faces cancer alone. Karen said she hopes more people will attend this year’s event, whether by joining a team, supporting the Candle of Hope ceremony, or visiting the venue during the fundraiser. She said contributions help families during difficult circumstances.
Relay For Life began in the 1980s and was created by the American Cancer Society. In recent years, the concept has gone global.