Donegal’s Relay for Life boss has revealed the cash raised from the hugely successful event will not be spent in Donegal but on general cancer research.
Robert O’Connor
Robert O’Connor was reacting to speculation that there has been a fall-out within the organising committee over the decision.
Donegal Daily understands that a number of key committee personnel have stood down from their positions after last weekend’s event.
But Mr O’Connor stressed it was always the intention of the committee to hand over the cash to the Irish cancer Society for research.
He revealed that more than €200,000 has already been raised after last Saturday and Sunday’s event.
“We have stated form as far back as January that all the cash raised was going to cancer research and would not be spent directly on local projects.
“Last year a certain percentage was spent in Donegal but we agreed this year that all the money raised would go to cancer research.
“I think the vast majority of people in Donegal realise that all the money raised will be spent wisely and directly on cancer research,” he said.
He admitted that a number of key committee members have stood down but this had been agreed before the event took place.
“There has been no fall-out or anything like that among members.
“The fact of the matter is that committing to such a project takes up a lot of personal time from people.
Some gave it one year or two or three.
“They have no decided that they would like to step aside but we are very thankful for al the hard work they have put in,” he said.
Mr O’Connor paid tribute to all those who entered teams and helped in any way towards making last weekend’s event yet another huge success.
“People have told me that their lives have been enriched by coming along and getting involved and that’s a wonderful thing.
“This event has helped so many people in so many ways and hopefully it will continue for many years to come,” he said.
