To raise awareness on the importance of sun protection and how different skin types respond to the sun the Solas Cancer Support Centre attempted to break Guinness World Record for ‘The most people applying sunscreen’ on Friday 4th May.

The record was set in May 2014 by the Ann’s Hope Foundation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, with 1,822 participants.

Tracy McDaid, Manager of the Solas Cancer Support Centre explained that the record asked that participants apply their own sun screen for 2 minutes. ‘The guidelines for the Attempt are very strict so on the day we had 2 solicitors and 2 official timekeepers to verify the numbers and times. With the support of 120 stewards, 2 photographers and 4 videographers all aspects of the event were recorded and witnessed in line with the strict guidelines required. We are hugely grateful to all participants and volunteers who took part on the day and made this event possible’.

The voluntary team were in the People’s Park at first light and ready to welcome the participating schools and members of the public at 10am. Beat were also in the Park to help build the atmosphere and by 10.30 the 1856 participants had their sun screen ready to go. Cllr Pat Nugent, Mayor of Waterford did the honours and pressed the timing button.

The Solas Cancer Support Centre will now forward the detailed file of evidence to the Guinness World Record offices in London and hope to hear in early June if their attempt was deemed successful.

The Solas Cancer Support Centre offers free cancer support to those affected by cancer, their families and carers in the South East. These services are available in their centre at Williamstown in Waterford City and in their West Waterford service based in the Alternative Health Clinic in Dungarvan. For details on these free services visit the website- www.solascentre.ie

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For media queries please contact:
Tracy McDaid- Manager, Solas Cancer Support Centre
M: 086 1061049
E: tracy@solascentre.ie

Kevin O’Hagan – Cancer Prevention Manager, Irish Cancer Society
T: 01 2310 541
E: kohagan@irishcancer.ie