Going for gold

Several iconic buildings in Cork will be joining international landmarks in lighting up gold to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The Light it Up Gold campaign was first introduced to Ireland in 2013 by a group of parents of children with cancer, who went on to set up Childhood Cancer Foundation. Since then, the charity has been leading the annual campaign in Ireland, asking buildings and landmarks across the country to light up gold and show their support for families affected by the disease.

Blackrock Castle Observatory, Firkin Crane and County Hall will join the likes of Niagara Falls and the Sydney Opera House to light up gold for childhood cancer awareness.

On average, 218 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in Ireland and one in 270 children will be diagnosed with cancer before their nineteenth birthday. Childhood cancer is the biggest disease killer of children in Ireland, those behind the campaign have said.

Childhood Cancer Foundation wants to ensure that every county in Ireland lights up gold to help raise awareness of the physical, emotional and financial issues surrounding childhood cancer.

They also want to shine a light on the bravery of children undergoing or finished treatment, and their families as well as remember those children who have tragically lost their young lives to childhood cancer. The Foundation also want to raise funds to support children with cancer and their families.