Dunboyne’s Alltech donates €80,000 to cancer support centre

Alltech, which employs more than 200 people at its European headquarters in Dunboyne, has raised €80,000 for the Little Way Cancer Support Centre in Clane in memory of Hazel Lube, the daughter of long-serving staff member Mary Lube.

The funds were generated through the Miles and Smiles for Hazel event held in August, which saw more than 200 people take part in walks and runs ranging from 3km to a half-marathon. Many participants wore Hazel’s favourite colour, pink, as a tribute.

Half of the money €40,000 was raised by participants, past and present Alltech employees, business partners and members of the local community. The remaining €40,000 was matched by Alltech president and CEO Dr Mark Lyons and co-founder Mrs Deirdre Lyons through the Pearse Lyons ACE Foundation.

A cheque presentation took place at the company’s Dunboyne site, where Mark and Deirdre Lyons, alongside Mary Lube, handed the donation to volunteers from Little Way.

The donation will support the centre’s counselling, guidance and support services for people affected by cancer services that Little Way says are increasingly in demand as patients struggle to access help elsewhere.

Dr Richard Lally of Alltech, who helped organise the event, said the response surpassed anything the team expected.

“When we first launched this idea, we set a target of €10,000, knowing that would make a real difference,” he said.

“To exceed that eightfold has blown us away. The support from communities, customers, past employees and business partners has been incredible. The day gave us a chance to reflect on Hazel’s impact and remember her while raising much-needed funds for a vital local charity.”

Little Way representative Dearbhail McKee said the donation would “transform” the services the organisation can offer.

“This generosity from Alltech and the Pearse Lyons ACE Foundation means we can look at developing an outreach programme for people who cannot attend the centre in Clane,” she said.

“It also allows us to run more well-being and educational sessions for those recovering from cancer.”

For Mary Lube, the event was a deeply personal moment.

“I want to thank my Alltech family,” she said.

“Miles and Smiles for Hazel gave us a space to remember my daughter and celebrate her life. Knowing her memory will help others is a comfort beyond words.”

Dr Mark Lyons said the initiative demonstrated the strong community spirit within the company.

“This shows the power of community and the values that drive Alltech — teamwork, generosity and a commitment to making a difference. We are honoured to support the Little Way and to celebrate Hazel’s enduring legacy.”

More information on the Little Way Cancer Support Centre is available at little-way.org.