As the Rundonegal Women’s 5k comes into view again, Seamus Carr – whose late wife, Brid, this year’s running of the event is again in memory of – has brought to light the importance of health check-ups.

The 2017 Rundonegal Women’s 5k takes place on the 2nd April at 11am at the Finn Valley Centre in Stranorlar.

This year, the 5K will raise funds for the charity set up in memory of Glencolmcille woman Brid Carr, who was a mum of three living in London with her husband Seamus when she passed away in 2014 following a battle with ovarian cancer. She was 54 and was misdiagnosed on two occasions.

During her treatment, Brid became a prominent campaigner with the charity Ovacome and worked to raise awareness of the disease.

Her wish was that her family would continue her commitment to highlighting ovarian cancer and support Ovarian Cancer Research.

Brid’s sister, Rosemary Foy and her family have been raising funds and spreading the word since 2015. They were delighted to learn that Rundonegal Womens 5k have selected the fund as this year’s beneficiary again.

The fund reached a target of €50,000 in 2015. Rosemary and her family hope to raise just as much this year.

“She was misdiagnosed twice herself. She knew herself she had it and she was misdiagnosed. All we can do now is raise awareness,” Seamus said at this week’s launch.

Brid had trained as a nurse in The Mater Hospital in Dublin before moving to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London where she was Urology Nurse Specialist.

Seamus himself already knew the importance of check-ups following his wife’s untimely death.

However, last year, he got a jolt himself and the reality of men’s health, an often-neglected topic among males themselves, came to light.

Seamus was at work at Heathrow Airport when he was selected to take a random health test – and was discovered to have prostate cancer.

He said: “This guy came around and says: ‘I’m testing you all for drink and drugs’. I went to laugh at him, but I was the only one of the 20 who were tested to be picked out.

“There is a PSA blood test and all men over 50 should have that.

“Men are very lax. It’s so important. If you’re not feeling right, go and get checked out.”

 

Up to 600 people took part in 2015 and entries for the 2017 Rundonegal Women’s 5k are being taken at the Finn Valley Centre, Stranorlar. The entry fee is €10.