By Michelle Crean

A Kerry charity is seeking to increase its funds this November to bring further comfort to cancer patients.

Comfort for Chemo Kerry have launched the inaugural Hope Social which will be held on November 12 in the Ballyroe Hotel Tralee.

Proceeds from the Hope Social will help Comfort for Chemo Kerry in their aim to build, equip and provide comfort for patients undergoing chemotherapy in a purpose built state-of-the-art chemotherapy unit within the grounds of University Hospital Kerry (UHK).

Cancer diagnosis is increasing with almost 45,000 people in Ireland getting cancer each year, Therese Carroll, one of the organisers of the social, explained.

"During COVID it further highlighted the need for this unit with a greater understanding of how vulnerable cancer patients are during their chemotherapy treatment and how important it is to provide this treatment in an environment with least exposure to the general public," she said.

"The people of Kerry are always so generous and supportive of the charity and we are humbled by their response to this very worthy cause. We would love for people to join us on November 12 for dinner, ceol agus craic. MC for the night will be our wonderful patrons Elaine Kinsella and Billy Keane so entertainment and a good old story guaranteed. We will have a few surprise guests on the night along with spot prizes and a monster raffle."

Drinks reception starts at 6pm followed by dinner at 7pm. Music on the night will be provided by the brilliant Pat Fitz Band followed by a disco with DJ Donal.

Tickets will go on sale on September 10 for €70 each.