Alltech has raised €80,000 for the Little Way Cancer Support Centre in Clane, County Kildare, following the success of the Miles and Smiles for Hazel event held in August. This remarkable achievement reflects Alltech’s commitment to making a difference in the communities where it operates.
The total includes €40,000 raised by participants and business partners, with a matching contribution from Alltech president and CEO, Dr. Mark Lyons and Alltech co-founder Mrs. Deirdre Lyons through the Pearse Lyons ACE Foundation. The funds will support the Little Way’s vital work providing care, guidance and counselling to patients facing a cancer diagnosis, a service that is often missing or difficult to access.
The donation and event were held in memory of Hazel Lube, beloved daughter of Mary Lube, who is office manager at Alltech Dunboyne and a passionate supporter of the charity. Hazel’s legacy inspired colleagues, friends, past employees and business partners to come together for this cause.
The cheque presentation took place at Alltech Dunboyne, where Deirdre and Mark Lyons and Mary Lube handed over the donation to volunteers from the Little Way.
The Miles and Smiles for Hazel event built on the earlier A Half for Hazel campaign, led by Grace O’Neill and Mark Lyons, in Mary’s hometown of Kilcock. More than 200 participants took part in runs and walks ranging from 3km to half-marathon distances. Many wore Hazel’s favourite colour, pink, as a tribute to her.
“When we first launched this idea within our team in Ireland, we set a fundraising target of €10,000, knowing that would make a significant impact for the Little Way,” said Dr. Richard Lally, technical manager for business development at Alltech. “To exceed that target eightfold has absolutely blown us away. The support from our surrounding communities, customers, past employees and business partners has been incredible. The event was a great opportunity for us to reflect on Hazel’s impact and remember her while raising much-needed funds for an important local charity.”
“We are extremely grateful for this generous donation from Alltech and the Pearse Lyons ACE Foundation,” said Dearbhail McKee of the Little Way. “A note of thanks to the staff, in particular Mary, Richard and Grace, who spearheaded this funding initiative. It will transform how we can deliver the services that we offer. We will be able to consider and develop an outreach programme to those who are not able to attend the centre in Clane, along with providing additional educational and well-being information sessions to those who are recovering from cancer.”
“I want to thank my Alltech family,” Mary Lube said. “I can’t express how much this event means to me. Miles and Smiles for Hazel gave us a space to remember my daughter and celebrate her life. Knowing her memory will live on through the help it brings to others is a comfort beyond words.”
“This initiative demonstrates the power of community and the values that drive Alltech: teamwork, generosity, and a commitment to making a difference,” said Mark Lyons. “We are honoured to support the Little Way and to celebrate Hazel’s enduring legacy.”
For more information about the Little Way Cancer Support Centre and its services, visit http://www.little-way.org/