Adventurer Pat Falvey Launches Kerry Way Walk For Cancer Research

Pat Falvey, who is one of the world's great adventurers that has organised expeditions to the highest, coldest and most remote places on this planet, today launched this year's Kerry Way Walk in aid of the Cork Cancer Research Centre.

Pat Falvey commented at the launch, "Cancer affects so many people, through their own journey or through someone they know. Taking on cancer is a daunting challenge which requires focus and determination, elements which are also needed for facing other challenges in life such as climbing Mount Everest. However the greatest challenges cannot be achieved alone - it is the team supporting you that will help you get through. Just like our team for Mount Everest, the Cork Cancer Research Centre provides focus and determination to the challenge of bringing new treatments to cancer patients. I'm delighted to be involved in this event and to lend my name and support as part of the fundraising efforts for cancer research, and to help combat cancer."

Whilst Kerry is renowned for having the highest mountains in Ireland, the Kerry Way trail avoids the higher peaks and opts for lower reaches of the mountain ridges. Impressive mountain views, dramatic peaks and glens, wild moorlands, wooded paths and wide coastal panoramas await those who wish to walk part, or all, of the 71km route along the Kerry Way.

"The Kerry Way is one of the most scenic walks in the world and this event is a great opportunity to raise funds for cancer research as well as to meet new people, have fun and keep fit. When we first came up with the concept for this event, I never imagined the Walk could raise as much as €25,000 in its inaugural year. Last year's event was a tremendous success with over €60,000 raised for cancer research. I was completely shocked but truly delighted with the outcome. People have been so generous to date and our goal is to raise the same level funds of this year, if not more." Damian O'Brien, Walk Co-ordinator.

Speaking about the impact of the voluntary fundraising efforts of The Kerry Way Walk on the Centre, Dr. Declan Soden general manager of the CCRC commented, "The Cork Cancer Research Centre supports over 34 doctors, scientists and nurses working on developing improved treatment options for cancer patients. Our scientific spend in 2006-2007 was just over €1.4 million. We don't have any source of annual state funding and therefore we are extremely reliant and grateful for the voluntary fundraising efforts made by the public and events such as The Kerry Way Walk. The momentum provided by events such as these provides the drive and encouragement for breakthroughs to be made and for improvements to be made in the quality of life for all cancer patients."

About Cork Cancer Research Centre (CCRC)

Cork Cancer Research Centre was established as a collaboration between the Cork University Hospitals and University College Cork and acts as a foundation upon which inter-disciplinary research programmes are built. We have initiated, and continue to encourage, the interaction of scientists and clinicians with complementary skills and the Centre provides infrastructural resources and facilities to researchers focused on combating cancer.

The objective of the Centre is to develop preventative measures and therapies for cancer patients. The Centre is physically located in labs at both Mercy University Hospital and the Biosciences Institute in UCC. In less than ten years we have grown to over 30 researchers and staff engaged in cancer research at the Centre under the direction of Prof. Gerald O'Sullivan (President of the Royal College of Surgeons, and Director in Chief of the Centre).

Reaping the rewards of these collaborations, our co-operative efforts have made significantly more progress than was thought possible at our launch in 1999. The research work carried out at the Centre since its inception has translated into three unique clinical studies, two focused on using less invasive surgery to treat inoperable cancers, and a third on the impact of diet and probiotic bacteria to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. The Drug Delivery Research team has demonstrated greatly improved treatment of cancer nodules previously unresponsive to conventional therapies. This has allowed the Centre to offer new treatments to patients in Cork and Ireland.

The Centre has been at the forefront of advancing cancer prevention in Cork by initiating a screening programme for patients at high risk of developing colon cancer, which it is hoped will aid in the earlier detection and possible prevention of this cancer. To date there are over 600 such patients identified and placed on the database for regular screening.

Investment in research is vital if we wish to develop new therapies in the areas of cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Through well focused research we strongly believe that a great number of lives can be saved and the quality of life for many people who develop this disease can be improved. With three clinical trials to date, we are bringing research to where it is needed most, the patients.

Coupled with the research to date, Cork Cancer Research Centre is focusing their efforts on the treatment of cancer metastases. We are excited about the recent results using Gene Therapy, which shows promise in using the body's own immune system to prevent or reduce secondary spread. If we can treat or prevent secondary cancer spread then we will truly be able to positively change the prognosis of many cancer patients. This is the future of cancer research and Cork Cancer Research Centre is at the forefront of these developments.