A €1m. 'pink' landmark reached by Mayo charity group

THE Mayo Pink Ribbon charity has achieved a €1 million landmark.

For the last decade, the people of the county have supported the organisation annual cycle in aid of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute at NUI, Galway.

Based in Castlebar and its surrounds, what started as a fun cycle event blossomed into a massive community weekend, including a Golf Classic and many more fundraising events, which combined have generated over €1,000,000 over the past decade.

During the 10 years of this fundraiser, research has hugely changed the public's understanding of breast cancer.

From a time when all breast cancers were seen as one disease rather than many and treated with a “one treatment fits all” approach, women and men can now access individualised treatment plans targeted to their particular type of cancer.

Research has led to radically improved outcomes and prognosis for so many and ultimately so many lives have been saved because of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute funded research.

On a recent tour of the research lab located at the Lambe Institute for Translational Research in UCHG, the group, including its patron, Deputy Enda Kenny, a regular participant in the annual cycle, saw at first hand the passion and commitment of the research team lead by Professor Michael Kerin and how the money raised through Mayo Pink Ribbon is positively supporting the research carried out there.

The incredible community spirit of Mayo people is a credit to the county.

They have, through the charity, done so much to help advance the medications, treatments and understanding of breast cancer both nationally and internationally.

For further information visit ww.mayopinkribbon.ie

* Pictured attending the 10th anniversary celebrations of Mayo Pink Ribbon, an annual fundraising campaign for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute which has raised an incredible €1,057,732 for the charity over the last decade were, at front, Yvonne Horkan, John McHugh, Dr. Róisín Dwyer, Rachel Staunton, John Horkan and Aedin Horkan.  At back are Prof. Micahel Kerin, Lourda McHugh, Patricia McLoughlin, Tom Joyce, Deputy Enda Kenny, Marita Staunton, Ann Gannon Smith, John Feerick, and Fionnuala Kenny. PHOTO: MARTINA REGAN