Fun outdoor Tai Chi/Qigong fundraiser for Mayo Cancer Support

A FUN outdoor Tai Chi/Qigong event is taking place this month in a novel fundraiser for Mayo Cancer Support.

Tai Chi is a gentle moving and meditation exercise that has huge benefits for physical and mental health.

Mayo practitioner Tracey O'Malley, with her mentor, also locally based, Arend Wijmenga, is behind the initiative to get as many people together as possible for an outdoor Tai Chi/Qigong session, which takes place at the Mall in Castlebar on Saturday, June 15, at 1 p.m.

You don't need to know anything about Tai Chi to take part and it's for all ages, so get every member of the family and friends together and enjoy an hour of very gentle moves and stretches.

Tracey holds Tai Chi classes in Swinford, hosted by the Swinford Active Minds group, two in Ballyhaunis (The Communal House, and also And In This Space yoga studio), also in Kilkelly, and there's a new course in Ballaghaderreen. Participants in all the centres are rowing in to support the event.

She has also been instructing group Tai Chi and Qigong classes at Rock Rose House, home to Mayo Cancer Support, for the last year.

Combining meditation, deep breathing and slow flowing movement, Tai Chi and Qigong help to optimise energy within the body, mind and spirit.

Tracey's classes at Mayo Cancer Support have been hugely popular with participants who can all attest to the positive benefits the exercise itself has for them from a mental and physical perspective as well as the enjoyable social aspect of being in a group activity with people who have also been impacted by cancer.

Said Tracey about the fundraising event: “Sadly, there's not many of us who have not been affected, in some way, by cancer.

“This event is open to everyone to come along and help raise as much money as we can for this wonderful and much needed charity, while having fun.”

The session will last around an hour and everyone is invited to come along and take part. No experience is necessary. If you are a seasoned practitioner or are interested in trying Tai Chi or Qigong for the first time, all are welcome.

Admission is €10 per person or €25 per group of four.

You can register at https://www.idonate.ie/forms/mayocancersupporttaichi.

A page has also been created for the event on iDonate for participants who may wish to seek sponsorship or anyone who is unable to take part but would like to support the event with a donation. You can support the fundraiser at https://www.idonate.ie/event/fundraisingtaichiclasswithtraceyomalley.

For more information on the event or attending, contact Mayo Cancer Support on (094) 9038407 or email info@mayocancersupport.ie.

To find out more about attending Tai Chi classes with Tracey in the various weekly venues, contact (087) 4100052.

Celebrating 25 years of Mayo Cancer Support

MAYO Cancer Support is a local registered charity that provides free emotional support to people who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis or bereavement, based at Rock Rose House in Castlebar.

They provide a suite of free supports, including professional one-to-one counselling, complementary therapies like massage, reflexology and reiki, children’s services and group activities such as Tai Chi classes.

As well as the Castlebar centre, Mayo Cancer Support also offers an outreach service every month in Ballina and Achill.

This is a big year for the charity as it marks their 25th anniversary.

“One of the unique aspects of our work is that we don’t just cater to cancer patients/survivors,” explained Orla Gillespie, manager at Mayo Cancer Support.

“Our services are also available to the family members/loved ones of cancer patients and survivors who can often be impacted themselves by experiencing their loved one’s illness, treatment and recovery.

“Our services afford people with a listening ear, some quality 'me time' and a shared learning experience in a discreet, non judgemental and confidential environment where they are met with empathy.”

Fundraising is a constant challenge for Mayo Cancer Support as they rely on fundraising and donations to cover up to 90% of annual operating costs.

“We are very grateful to Tracey for taking the time to arrange the open air Tai Chi/Qigong class at the Mall in Castlebar on Saturday, June 15 next, at 1 p.m. and we invite everyone to come along on the day and take part,” said Orla.