Major fundraiser in Foxford for cancer charities

Foxford woman Sarah Ruane was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2023. Now, she wants to give back to the cancer support services that helped her through chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Sarah has organised two events in November. All of the proceeds will go to the Oncology Ward at Mayo University Hospital, Inis Aoibhinn (Cancer Care West) and Rock Rose House (Mayo Cancer Support Association).

Sarah is a mother of three. She was diagnosed with breast cancer a month shy of her first wedding anniversary.

During surgery, doctors discovered that the lump in Sarah’s breast had doubled in size and spread to her lymph nodes.

“Which meant I needed chemo and radiation,” Sarah told the Western People. “I had eight rounds of chemo over 16 weeks, so once every second Friday in Castlebar in the Oncology Ward. I finished chemo on the 15th of December and then I started radiation on the 11th of January. I had four weeks of radiation in Galway and I stayed up in Inis Aoibhinn.

“When I first walked through the doors of the Oncology Ward, I was emotional,” Sarah continued. “The first day was terrible. I got very upset and one of the nurses came in and closed the curtains and she started crying with me. It’s the little things like that that make such a difference.” 

It was also nurse in Mayo University Hospital who suggested Sarah look into the support services offered by Rock Rose House.

“I thought I didn’t need any of that,” Sarah said. “But I’ve had counselling. I’ve been through different programmes and the kids have had play therapy.” 

It was Sarah’s sister who first suggested a Candlelight Concert fundraiser after seeing a poster in Galway. Sarah called her cousin, opera singer Sean Ruane, and the ball continued to roll.

On Friday, November 15th, the Candlelight Concert Fundraiser will take place in St Michael's Church, Foxford. Featured performers include opera singers Sean Ruane and Anne Marie Gibbons. In addition, BellaCapella will be taking the stage and the Doherty, Doocey and McHugh families will be performing Irish traditional music.

The following evening, November 16th, a Rock Night will kick off in Cruiser’s Bar. While attending RiverFest, Sarah was inspired to organise a Rock Night of her own. The Young Ones, Muddy Hawks and River Rat Rock are among the bands performing.

Sarah has also set up an iDonate page that has already raised thousands of euros.

“I had a figure in my head, but I have exceeded that figure already so I am absolutely delighted.” 

The Candlelight Concert and the Rock Night are expected to sell out in the coming days.

“I want to give something back because I have never had to put my hand in my pocket,” Sarah said about Inis Aoibhinn and Rock Rose House. “I couldn’t leave the Oncology Ward out because they were fantastic. Even if it is just something small like a blanket for another patient.” 

Alongside raising money for cancer support services, Sarah hopes to spread awareness of the incredible support services that are available.

Additionally, Sarah has been shocked by the immense generosity shown by everyone involved in the production of these two events.

“Nobody is looking for a penny," she remarked.