Charity’s Croke Park abseil now targets €150k goal
Well-known Mayo footballers Catherine O’Sullivan, Donal Vaughan and Colm McManamon are among the high-profile names from GAA vlubs across the county who have signed up to do Mayo Cancer Support’s fundraising Brave the Drop abseil challenge at Croke Park. Picture: Alison Laredo
When Mayo Cancer Support Association launched its new flagship fundraiser – the Brave the Drop Croke Park Abseil Challenge - with the support of Mayo GAA last July, it was not prepared for the overwhelming response.
Brave the Drop challenges people to undertake a sponsored 150ft abseil from the roof of Croke Park in Dublin on October 10th next, with all monies raised supporting the delivery of free support services by Mayo Cancer Support to local people affected by cancer.
Close to 100 people have since signed up to 'brave the drop' and the fundraiser last week passed the €130,000 milestone.
Mayo Cancer Support Association manager, Orla Gillespie, said the charity is indebted to Mayo GAA, the abseilers and the public for their incredible support.
“Brave the Drop has captured the imagination of participants and donors alike, with the bravery theme resonating with anyone that has witnessed the courage that a cancer diagnosis demands. Mayo Cancer Support is proud to walk the cancer journey with hundreds of Mayo people every year, helping to nurture their courage and ability to navigate the illness,” she explained.
The Brave the Drop Challenge looks set to surpass the combined fundraising activities undertaken by or on behalf of Mayo Cancer Support throughout 2024. With just over two weeks to go to the abseil, the charity is now hopeful of raising a phenomenal €150,000 in total.
“This event is not just about raising funds though,” Ms Gillespie stressed. “We need to raise the profile of Mayo Cancer Support Association so that it becomes a household name that is recognised as a safe space where people can access empathetic support and National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) - endorsed services in community-based settings in Castlebar, Ballina and Achill.
“Almost 100 incredible individuals have committed to 'braving the drop' for Mayo Cancer Support in Croke Park this October. We’re hoping that the people of Mayo and local businesses will continue to respond to that bravery by donating to the campaign online."
For more information, see www.mayocancersupport.ie or call 094-9038407.
