Today, Dublin Fire Brigade’s Chief Fire Officer, Hugh O’Neill, presented €75,000 each to the Irish Cancer Society and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) at Dublin Fire Brigade Headquarters, Tara Street. The money was raised by 13 brave Dublin-based fire fighters who volunteered for their most heroic deed ever – to pose for the Dublin Fire Brigade Charity Calendar 2008 in various locations around the city in December 2007. Over 15,000 copies were sold at €10 each. Now an annual project, the calendar has raised €288,000 since December 2006.

A cheque for €75,000 each will be presented to Jane Curtin, Communications Manager, Irish Cancer Society and Derek Quirke from NCBI, to go towards their ongoing provision of free nationwide patient care services for people with cancer and their families and the provision of services for people with sight loss respectively.

The Irish Cancer Society is the national cancer care charity, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem and improving the lives of those living with cancer through patient care, research and education. For information, support and advice on any aspect of cancer prevention and care, call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700.

NCBI is a not for profit charitable organisation which offers support and services nationwide to people experiencing difficulties with their eyesight. About 18 per cent of people using NCBI’s services are completely blind, while 82 per cent have varying degrees of usable vision. For more information contact NCBI on LoCall 1850 33 43 53.

For further information please contact:

Bevin Herbert at Dublin Fire Brigade, (01) 6734154
Jacqui Mahon, Irish Cancer Society, (01) 2310516
Fionnuala Murphy, National Council for the Blind of Ireland, (01) 8821975