|
|
|
Think Pink and Join the Pink Link!
By Derval Keenan, 11/7/2005 4:06:25 PM
|
The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is encouraging people to Think Pink! during October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, by joining the Pink Link.
Today marks the launch of Pink Link, an awareness and fundraising initiative, organised in partnership with Gordons Chemists to support local women with breast cancer.
UCF invites supporters to join the Pink Link on Friday 7th October at 1:15pm outside their local Gordons Chemist. People will be encouraged to sign the ?‘pink ribbon of hope?’ or write a short dedication to a lost loved one or in support of a family member or friend currently undergoing treatment as well as give a donation to the campaign to raise vital funds to support and care for women with breast cancer in Northern Ireland.
Pink Link was held for the first time last year and Gordons Chemists raised an amazing £30,000 bringing together over 4,000 supporters from across Northern Ireland.
Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals and Marketing, UCF said, ?“Raising awareness of breast cancer is vitally important as it is the most common form of cancer in local women. Over 900 women are diagnosed with the disease every year with one in twelve developing the disease during their lifetime. We would encourage women to be ?‘breast aware?’ from around their mid 20s onwards and to attend screening, when invited.
?“The Pink Link is an excellent way to raise awareness of breast cancer. Gordons Chemists staff will give out information leaflets and conduct research with customers throughout the month of October. Our partnership with Gordons Chemists helps to educate women on being ?‘breast aware?’, highlighting the importance of screening and early detection, and takes this lifesaving message to women in every major town across Northern Ireland.
?“We are delighted that Gordons Chemists 44 stores throughout Northern Ireland are supporting the Pink Link again - with their continued support and that of their customers, we can make a big difference to local women with breast cancer.?”
Neil Gordon, co-founder of Gordons Chemists in Northern Ireland said he was delighted to support this year?’s initiative. ?“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support this year?’s breast cancer awareness campaign and would welcome everyone along to the Pink Link campaign at one of our 44 stores province-wide on Friday 7th October at 1:15pm.
?“Our customers united last year to raise in excess of £30,000 for this vital cause and we hope to build fully upon the Pink Link initiative this year.
?“Our continued expansion ?– having opened four more stores since last year?’s Pink Link demonstrates our commitment to driving quality pharmacy and healthcare provision for the population of Northern Ireland. Supporting this initiative will foster valuable social links and forms a vital part of our community relations programme,?” Neil added.
Pink Link is part of UCF?’s Think Pink! Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. Please contact UCF on 028 9049 2007 for further information on Think Pink! events including Think Pink! Luncheons on Friday 14th October at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen with special guest speaker Billy Dixon (image consultant to the stars) and Friday 21st October at the Europa Hotel, Belfast with special guest speaker Ann Widdecombe MP. Tickets are now on sale.
- ends-
Photo Caption:
Pictured at the launch of Pink Link, an awareness and fundraising initiative, organised in partnership with Gordons Chemists to support local women with breast cancer are Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals and Marketing, UCF and Neil Gordon, Co-founder of Gordons Chemists.
Notes to editor:
UCF offers a wide variety of information and support for all those affected by breast cancer including, Breast Cancer Support Groups, Counselling, Patient Volunteer Support, Specialist Bra and Swimwear fitting service for mastectomy patients, Freephone Cancer Helpline (Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Tel: 0800 783 3339), art and beauty therapy classes.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
You should look out for anything, which is not normal for you. A lump is the most commonly recognised early symptom of breast cancer, but other symptoms can include:
- Any dent, puckering or dimpling of your breasts
- Thickening under the skin of your breasts or armpits
- Changes in size or shape of the breast
- Veins which stand out more than usual
- Any change in the position of your nipples ?– pulled inwards or pointing in a different direction
- Any discharge or bleeding from your nipples
- A rash around your nipples
- Any discomfort or pain in your breasts that is different from normal
- Any change in sensation in your breasts.
Don?’t forget to check under your arms for lumps or anything unusual.
Breast Screening Centres
Eastern Health & Social Services Board
The Screening Centre
12-22 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8BS
Tel: 9033 3700
Northern Health & Social Services Board
Northern Area Breast Screening & Assessment Unit
Level A, Antrim Area Hospital
45 Bush Road, Antrim, BT41 2RL
Tel: 028 9442 4425
Southern Health & Social Services Board
The Breast Screening Unit
Lurgan Hospital, Sloan Street, Lurgan, BT66 8NX
Tel: 028 3834 7083
Western Health & Social Services Board
The Breast Screening Unit
Ground Floor, The Nurses?’ Home
Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Glenshane Road, L?’derry, BT47 6SB
Tel: 028 7161 1443
Mobile Screening Units
To find out when there is a unit near you, please call your local GP practice.
For further information on Pink Link or Think Pink! Breast Cancer Campaign please contact:
Pauline Wylie, PR and Events Manager, UCF on
Tel: 028 9049 2007 / 07810 371118
or
Derval Keenan PR and Events Officer on
Tel: 028 9049 2007 / 07812 525531
For Gordons Chemists Enquiries, please contact
Neil Lynas from Propeller on 028 9073 5853 / 0771 3157902
|
|
|
