Strictly raises €283,000 for CUAN
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From left: John O’Shea, secretary; Stephanie Lord and Dympna Murphy, committee; Angela Callaghan, chairperson; Bernie Lynch, CUAN ambassador; and Sharon Smith, committee.Image 2 of 2
The recent Strictly Come Dancing event which was staged in the Hotel Kilmore proved to be an outstanding success, both from a fundraising point of view for CUAN Cancer Care in Cavan and also from an entertainment point of view. The dancers from all over the county who participated on the night assembled once again in the Imperial last Friday night to witness the presentation of the proceeds in the form of a cheque amounting to a remarkable €283,000. From left: John O’Shea, Stephanie Lord, Dympna Murphy, all committee members; Angela Callaghan, chairperson Cuan; Bernie Lynch, CUAN ambassador; and Sharon Smith, committee.PHOTOS: Sean McMahonA cheque amounting to a remarkable €283,000 was presented to local cancer charity CUAN in The Imperial after a successful Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser. CUAN chairperson Angela Callaghan was “blown away” by the response of the community.
Reflecting on the night and the incredible outcome, Angela said: “At the start, we were hoping for a good result and then we were blown away by the generosity of the people. We are in awe of the positive energy around the fundraiser and what it raised.”
Angela acknowledged that the deep resonance of CUAN’s mission played a significant role in this exceptional goodwill. “Unfortunately, cancer is on our own doorstep, and it touches so many lives. That is why people are so generous, because they see the good work CUAN does. They know the support we offer is vital.” CUAN - Cancer Understanding and Nurturing - is more than just a centre; it is - as the name suggests - a harbour and a haven.
The charity provides psychological and emotional support to individuals living with cancer, as well as their families and caregivers. Angela said the money raised will go directly towards supporting the service users through one-to-one counselling, complementary therapies, play therapy, a children’s programme - including day trips and mindfulness, the transport service for chemotherapy appointments in Dublin, as well as workshops, support groups and their drop-in service. She had a heartfelt message to the community: “To our phenomenal dancers, the fundraising committee, the event company, our sponsors, and every single person who donated, voted, attended, or supported - thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” The fundraiser itself brought together around 1,400 people who packed into Hotel Kilmore, created an atmosphere that participants described as electric. “There was a good energy, good vibe, good atmosphere in the Kilmore at the event,” Angela noted. “And then it just went from there.”
Many of the dancers had personal connections to CUAN - some were former service users, others current users, and many danced in honour of loved ones navigating cancer. As another organiser remarked:
“Over time, we’ve seen people who have undergone successful cancer treatment give back. This fundraiser was just another beautiful example of that.”
MC on the night was Gerry Brady, who along with the judges Yvonne Sheanon, Harry Lynch and Raymond Galligan kept the party rolling.
CUAN benefited not only from the dancers’ hard work but also from the support of the main sponsors McCabe Group, Hotel Kilmore, Callaghan Electrical, Romar Energy, McGarrell Reilly Homes, Finnegan Funeral Home (Lakeland’s), Drumlark Investments, Wilton Recycling, Breffni Air, The Imperial Bar & Nightclub.
Speaking on behalf of CUAN, Angela Callaghan addressed the whole county: "Your kindness will make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most. We are beyond grateful and deeply proud of the generosity shown by this magnificent county.”