Cork's 96FM Giving for Living Radiothon Returns for 2025 to Support Local Cancer Services

Cork's 96FM Giving for Living Radiothon returns 22-24 May 2025. This vital fundraiser has raised €6.7m for local cancer services to date.

Cork Safety Alerts

08 May 2025 — 3 min read

Image: Cork's 96FM

Cork's biggest local radio fundraiser is set to return this May, with Cork's 96FM launching their annual Giving for Living Radiothon from 22nd to 24th May 2025. The three-day event aims to raise vital funds for five Cork-based cancer charities, continuing its impressive legacy of supporting cancer services across the city and county.

Remarkable Impact Across Cork

Thanks to generous donors, Cork's 96FM Giving for Living Radiothon makes change happen here in Cork and ensures those dealing with cancer get the care they deserve right on their doorstep.

The Radiothon, which has raised nearly €6.7 million to date, supports critical cancer services provided by the Mercy Hospital Foundation, Cork University Hospital, Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and Cork Arc Cancer Support House.

Following the success of the 2024 event, which raised over €409,178, each benefiting charity has been able to make significant improvements to their cancer care services.

Where the Funds Go

The Mercy Hospital Foundation has utilised funds to support their free Psycho-Oncology Service, re-establish their Upper GI Patient Support Group, provide financial aid to patients experiencing difficulties due to their cancer diagnosis, and fund 'A Guide to Chemotherapy' booklets for new cancer patients.

At Cork University Hospital, Radiothon funds contributed to the purchase of a new high-quality operating microscope, significantly enhancing their ability to perform DIEP flap breast reconstructions, considered the gold standard in breast reconstruction.

Marymount University Hospital and Hospice used the funds to purchase chairs and cushions recommended by their Occupational therapy department, upgrade ward sitting rooms in the Specialist Palliative care wing, and replace essential equipment such as commodes and shower chairs.

Breakthrough Cancer Research directed funds towards research for early detection of ovarian cancer and understanding how specific genes improve survival in people with oesophageal cancer.

Cork Arc Cancer Support House delivered over 16,000 free supports in 2024 for those with a cancer diagnosis and their families, an increase from 13,000 supports in 2023. They provided additional acupuncture appointments and developed new areas of support through qualified physiotherapist research.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The funds raised through the 2025 Radiothon will continue supporting these vital services, with each charity outlining ambitious plans:

The Mercy Hospital Foundation plans to fund cancer-related workshops and group support meetings in their new purpose-built Cancer Care Centre, establish a library, and continue providing financial aid to patients in need.

Cork University Hospital aims to purchase a Faxitron system, a special X-ray machine that will enable faster checking of samples during surgeries, leading to better diagnoses and patient outcomes.

Marymount plans to replace three Community Palliative Care cars, ensuring their nurses can reach people receiving palliative care services in their own homes across Cork city and county.

Breakthrough Cancer Research will fund a clinical fellowship project between UCC and CUH/MUH focused on improving treatment for advanced breast cancer in Ireland through more personalised approaches.

Cork Arc Cancer Support House will increase personalised physiotherapy services, provide more tailored physical activity, and expand their community physical activity support with a focus on pre-op and post-op support.

How to Get Involved

There are numerous ways the public can support this year's Radiothon. Organisers encourage people to arrange virtual Coffee Breaks, hold Jersey Days, or collect loose coins in change collector boxes.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so online or through bank transfer to: