A CO. Cork family are holding a charity run in London to raise money and awareness about a disease that claimed the life of their youngest daughter.
The 10k run, which takes place on Sunday in Brockwell Park, is taking place in tribute to Emer Casey who died from ovarian cancer in 2006.
Dublin-based Emer was just 27 years old when she was diagnosed and died only a few months later.
Her parents and four sisters, based in Ireland and Britain, set up the Emer Casey Foundation in her memory.
Speaking to The Irish Post, Emer’s sister, Juliette said: “Emer had just qualified as a solicitor in Dublin and was diagnosed with ovarian uterine cancer in February 2006 and she passed away the following June.”
“Since then we’ve been fundraising with her friends and employers, Matheson solicitors in Dublin.”
Ms Casey spoke of the devastation the family felt when they lost Emer,
She described the disease she suffered from as the Cinderella of cancers, because it still has a relatively low profile and is often left undetected, even by GPs, until it reaches an advanced stage.
“Our aims are to fund research into ovarian uterine cancer, to improve patient care and to help raise awareness,” she added.
In particular the Foundation is involved in raising awareness amongst GPS so that they are able to quickly spot symptoms of ovarian cancer and refer patients immediately to a specialist.
The Foundation’s impressive fundraising efforts have so far yielded over €800,000 for the charity.
Emer's sister Juliette Photo: Great Scot PhotographyThe 10K race in Brockwell Park is now in its seventh year and the Casey family are appealing for people to come and support the charity either by donning their runners and joining the race or coming along to support those taking part.
Ms Casey said: “It’s a lovely course and everybody’s welcome."
“Emer was a very active person, she had done various different 10ks for charity and this seemed like a logical way to fundraise.”
The charity has held races as far away as Australia, where many of Emer’s friends live,
They also have one of Ireland's greatest running stars on board.
"Our patron Sonia O’Sullivan is very hands on in organising events as well as running them,” Ms Casey said.
The superstar athlete promoted as well as ran in their latest 10K race in Melbourne’s Jells Park in May.
This weekend's Park London race starts at 9.30am on Sunday November 1 at Brockwell Park, Herne Hill.
For more details including entry information click HERE.
See More: 10k, Brockwell Park, Emer Casey, Featured
