Citywide

Wednesday, 15th August 2012

Lisa’s an inspiration for solas

If you are looking for inspiration to take part in this year’s South East Run for Life, look no further than Lisa Johnson Stewart from Fenor. Last year Lisa completed the 10 mile run, organised by the Solas Centre, while recovering from a mastectomy and cancer in her pelvis. She finished the walk in 2 hours 36 minutes and raised almost €1,000.

Lisa was first diagnosed with breast cancer in November 1998 at just 32 years of age. She was living in London at the time and was treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital.

"The medical care was good but there was no counselling care. It was very difficult at times to cope as my daughter was only 4 and my son was only 2 1/2 when I was diagnosed," explains Lisa.

She moved to Ireland in 2007 and in 2010 she was devastated when told the cancer had returned – she had recurring breast cancer with secondary bone cancer.

"Looking back I can’t remember how I really felt, a sense of numbness was the overriding emotion. I was treated at WRH with six months chemotherapy followed by a mastectomy."

It was around this time, Lisa was introduced to the Solas Centre by a breast care nurse. "They listened to my story and allowed me to cry and express myself without judgement. I got advice, support and was able to communicate with others who had an understanding of what I was going through."

Lisa was offered a course of reflexology for relaxation and said she knew there was support at the end of the phone should she need it. "They were also there for my parents and children to go and talk to someone about how my cancer was affecting them."

Lisa’s chemotherapy finished in April and she is currently stable. "I was determined to get fit and active again for my own health and I tried to walk as often as possible. When I heard about the Run for Life, I was determined to do it, I had gotten so much out of the Solas centre and seen what it had done for others."

Lisa started walking with her friends, Carmel, Christina and Frances in order to prepare for the run. "It was very difficult, I had been inactive for a long period of time and was still in recovery. But I wanted to help people in the same position as me. I knew that I couldn’t run the 10 miles but I could walk it."

She describes the Run for Life as a "fantastic day" and said she thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie between runners and walkers. "I was very emotional on the completion of the walk and quite tearful. I felt it was such an amazing achievement and was very proud of myself."

In March 2012, Lisa was diagnosed with three tumours in her lungs and is back on weekly chemotherapy but she is hoping to do the Run for Life again in October. "I hope to complete it this time in 2 hours 15 minutes. I want to show others who are sick or recovering that anything is possible."

The Run for Life takes place this year on October 14. A staggering €265,000 was raised from last year’s run but the work must go on and organisers are appealing for people to get active and get involved.

If you have been inspired by Lisa’s story come along and take part. Sponsorship cards are available from the Solas Centre, The Broadcast Centre Ardkeen, Sam McCauley chemists, on the website http://www.solascentre.ie and AIB branches. For further information contact the Solas Centre on 051-304604 or check out the Solas Centre South East Run for Life facebook page.

Urgently seeking relatives or friends of Thomas Kiely

David Bretherick, residing in Surrey, England is urgently seeking relatives of Thomas Kiely who lived at 88 Doyle Street in Waterford. Tom is 77 years old and is at this moment seriously ill in hospital. David is urgently trying to trace a brother and friends who know him. His brother’s name is either Patrick or William.

Anyone who might be able to help with this matter please reply to the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. befriending positions

Befriending Positions available at South East Simon. No experience necessary, full training will be provided. For more information please phone 051 872693 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Volunteers Wanted

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is now recruiting volunteers in Waterford. We are recruiting for volunteers for three different services:

- Child & Parent Mentors Volunteers

- Childline Phone listening Volunteers

- Advocacy Volunteers

Full training for all volunteer roles is provided.If volunteering for the ISPCC is something you are interested in learning more about, members of the public are invited to attend an ISPCC Group Information & Interview Meeting at their offices in the Cleaboy Business Park, Old Kilmeaden Rd, Waterford on Thursday the 16th of August @ 6.30 pm.To confirm your attendance at this meeting please contact Sinead on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 086 722 6788

Congratulations

Heartiest congratulations to Michael and Christine Looney, Riverview, Knockboy on their 30th Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday, 14, August 2012.

C.I.E. Social Club Waterford

The annual Mass and retiree’s night will be held on Thursday 16th August starting at 8.30 p.m. in the Roanmore GAA Centre, Cleaboy Road. Mass will be followed by presentations to members who have retired in the past year. Music and refreshments served afterwards. All current and former staff are invited.

50th wedding anniversary

Marie and Michael Cummins celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary last weekend with a marvellous party for family and friends. Marie is well known for her great work with Waterford Hospice and the photo shows Marie and Michael at home before the party got going.

Photo by Noel Browne.