Cancer survivor encourages local teams to register for Relay For Life
Cancer survivor Peter Yeadon, 61, is calling on people across Westmeath to get involved in Relay For Life Westmeath at Tyrrellspass GAA Club, on September 19.
Registration is now open for the 24-hour event, which starts at 2pm and is in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Relay For Life brings the local community together to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who have been lost to cancer.
Participants team up and take it in turns to walk through the day and night, with someone always on the move during the 24-hour period.
Tyrrellspass man Peter Yeadon was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2018, when a tumour was discovered when he was undergoing treatment for an ulcer. Further tests revealed that Peter had Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that can increase the risk of developing certain cancers, such as bowel.
Commenting on what happened in the lead-up to his bowel cancer diagnosis, Peter said: “They took me in for tests and sent me home on a Friday, and I remember the doctor saying to me, ‘Go home, enjoy your weekend and I’ll see you on Wednesday’. Just from the way he said it, I knew it was bad.
“I was 90% sure it was cancer anyway. When the doctor gave me the news, my first question was, ‘Is it operable?’. He said yes, so I said, ‘Great, get it out of me’.”
Peter, a father of one, underwent surgery and had preventative chemotherapy. In 2024, he was declared cancer free and in remission.
Explaining his motivation for taking part in Relay For Life, Peter said: “I’ve lost a lot of family members to cancer – my father, my brother-in-law had leukaemia, and my uncle had bowel cancer.
Second chance
“I feel like I’ve been given a second chance. I received some of the best medical care in the world in St Vincent’s and Tullamore.
“People are being diagnosed with cancer all the time, and being involved with Relay For Life means I can help others in the same situation I was in when I got my diagnosis and was going through treatment.
“We’re all in the same boat, so you don’t have to go through cancer on your own – everyone at Relay For Life has a cancer connection, so we understand. Come down and talk to people. “Talking about your experience, and hearing from others who’ve been affected by cancer, is so important. There are no stupid questions, and ‘cancer’ isn’t a scary word at Relay.”
Encouraging people to take part in their local Relay For Life, Peter added: “It’s an amazing community event, where we remember people we’ve lost to cancer, support those who are affected by cancer, and celebrate survivors.
“And the money raised goes to the Irish Cancer Society’s services, which supports people affected by cancer and their families, and it also helps to fuel ground-breaking cancer research. It makes such a big difference to so many people. “One in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, so it’s so important to get behind fundraisers like Relay For Life so these vital services can continue to be there when we need them.
“I’d encourage everyone to get involved in Relay For Life Westmeath. It’s a meaningful event for both cancer survivors and people who have lost loved ones to cancer. It brings communities across Ireland together, all for an amazing cause that truly makes a difference.”
Ciara Hughes, Relay For Life campaign manager at the Irish Cancer Society, said: “People across the country have always enthusiastically supported Relay For Life, and in doing so they generously support the vital services provided by the Irish Cancer Society to ensure that no one in Ireland has to face cancer alone.
“We’re delighted that Relay for Life has returned to Westmeath this year, giving people in the area the opportunity to remember their loved ones and celebrate survivors within their community.”
To register a team for Relay For Life Westmeath, or to buy a candle bag to be displayed as part of the Candle of Hope ceremony, visit relayforlife.ie/event/westmeath.
A feature of every Relay For Life is the survivors lap, where cancer survivors who have lived or are living with cancer are invited to open the event with a special celebratory lap.
A moving Candle of Hope ceremony is another highlight of Relay For Life.
Thousands of candle bags that have been personalised with messages of hope and remembrance are lit in celebration of cancer survivorship and to honour loved ones lost to cancer.
The Relay For Life event also features entertainment and fun for all the family.