Killucan family organise fundraising walk and fun day

A Knockmant, Killucan family are the driving force behind a 10k walk from Mullingar to Coralstown on Sunday July 26, as well a fun day, which will raise funds for the fight against cancer.

Father of five and grandfather of two, Ken Kelly of Knockmant, Killucan, lost his wife Liz to the disease in September of last year. Liz died after a long battle against what Ken describes as “smoker’s cancer”.

Diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer in September 2013, Liz endured various forms of treatment including chemotherapy, chest irradiation and brain irradiation at the Midland Regional Hospital at Tullamore, St Luke’s Hospital and St James’s Hospital.

She was given the all clear in January 2014, but lapsed back into her illness last April, when she was given a terminal diagnosis; the cancer had metastasised to her liver and pancreas.

“Liz smoked all her life, and by telling her story I’m urging smokers to give up the habit,” Ken told the Westmeath Examiner. “It’s not worth it. It tears families apart.”

Liz Kelly passed away on September 14 of last year, survived by her husband of 27 years Ken, their children Michael, Patrick, Stephanie, Natasha and Claire, and grandchildren Jasmine, Nathan and Brooklyn. A plaque was erected to her memory on the parish memorial wall in Rathwire – the first such wall erected in the Diocese of Meath.

Ken is determined that illnesses such as that which took Liz do not affect other families, and that is one aspect of what’s driving next Sunday’s fundraiser.

The other intention is to recognise and support those who assisted Liz during the final months of her life. Already, Ken and his family have donated to Westmeath Hospice, who provided “great support” for Liz during her illness.

Now they’re turning to the Irish Cancer Society, whose night nurse service was invaluable in allowing Liz to spend her final months at home.

“We would have been lost without them,” Ken said.

With that in mind, on Sunday next, a family fun day will take place in Liz’s memory from 2pm at popular Coralstown pub Mary Lynch’s, off the N4 (exit 13) at Coralstown.

The fun day will be preceded by a walk, run or cycle from the Dublin Bridge, Mullingar (next to Millie Walsh’s Maxol), which starts at noon and proceeds along the Royal Canal, finishing at Mary Lynch’s.

The €5 entry fee for the walk (for adults; €2 for children) will entitle you to a bun burger when you arrive at Coralstown for the fun day.

Attractions such as lucky dip, a dunk tank, stocks (for sponge throwing), face painting, ring tossing and more will ensure an unforgettable evening of fun for all the family.

From around 3pm to 7pm, live music and entertainment will be provided by 'Alright Jack’ and other artists. A massive raffle will also take place, with the top prizes including a garden shed supplied by SkyClad and Faulkner’s Sheds, and much more.

There will be plenty of other attractions and tie-in events on the day, and if you’d like more information, log on to the 'ICS Family Fun Day’ page on Facebook, or call Ken on 087 689 0279 or 044 937 6640.

All funds raised from the event will go towards the Irish Cancer Society.