Cllr Gayle Ralph, Senator Linda Nelson Murray, Senator Aubrey McCarthy, Rachel Mullen, DJ Nikki Hayes and Tracy Carroll at the Meath Cancer Support Group event in Navan.

Over €10K raised for those 'navigatating life after cancer treatment'

Sally Harding

Published: Tue 10 Feb 2026, 5:16 PM

A packed house at the Newgrange Hotel in Navan last month marked a hugely successful fundraising night in support of local cancer survivors, with more than €10,000 raised on the night, bringing together the community for an evening of entertainment, solidarity and hope.

The event, organised by the Meath Cancer Support Group, featured a lively programme including music bingo, raffles and a performance from local singer Lauren Carroll. A highlight of the night was a live auction led by Senator Aubrey McCarthy, who praised the generosity shown on the night and the vital work being carried out by the group.

Senator McCarthy said the evening demonstrated “the strength of community spirit in Meath and the importance of supporting those who continue to navigate life after cancer treatment.”

Pictured are Sharon Dowling, Rachel Mullen and Dara Madden who were behind the fundraising event: PIC:JE PHOTOGRAPHY

The initiative is being driven by Kildalkey mum and cancer survivor Rachel Mullen, who founded the peer-support group following her own diagnosis of aggressive triple-negative breast cancer and the discovery that she carries a BRCA2 gene mutation. Her experience during and after treatment highlighted a lack of dedicated local supports for people adjusting to life beyond cancer, a gap she is determined to close.

Rachel has since become a strong advocate for improved community-based aftercare. Earlier this year, she spoke at an event at the Trim Family Resource Centre attended by President Catherine Connolly, where she highlighted the importance of local support services and outlined the group’s vision for a permanent home for cancer survivors in Meath.

The Meath Cancer Support Group currently holds its weekly meetings at the Trim Family Resource Centre, with sessions ranging from exercise and skincare advice to mindfulness and sound meditation. The meetings continue to grow in attendance, with new members joining regularly and others returning as they move through different stages of recovery.

Funds raised on the night will go directly towards securing a dedicated premises for the Meath Cancer Support Group, ensuring that survivors and their families have a safe, welcoming place to connect, talk openly and heal together.

For more information see Meath Cancer Support Group on Facebook.