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The Ulster Cancer Foundation Announces Plans For Pink Ribbon PINK LINK
By Derval Keenan, 11/10/2004 3:27:26 PM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) officially launched their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign today, supported this year by Gordons Chemists, by announcing their plans for the first ever Pink Link to support local women with breast cancer.
The Ulster Cancer Foundation will be inviting all women across NI to visit their local Gordons Chemists on Friday 8th October at 1.15pm to join the Pink Link, sign the ribbon of hope and give a donation to the campaign to fund the charity’s vital services and prevention campaigns.
The launch, which kicks off a month of fundraising events took place outside Gordons Chemists Corn Market store where a number of breast cancer survivors were the first to sign the Ribbon of Hope. UCF supporter Alison Anderson helped launch the public campaign by modelling a bra made with real Swarovski crystals donated to UCF to raise funds for the campaign by The Lingerie Room, Moygashel. The bra is 1 of only 12 in existence worldwide.
Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive of the Ulster Cancer Foundation added, “We are delighted that Gordons Chemists are supporting this year’s pink ribbon campaign and are helping us to run Northern Ireland’s first ever pink link. We are asking all women to join us on Friday 8th October at their local Gordons Chemist to join the link and leave their signature on the ribbon of hope. Many women may wish also to write a short dedication to a lost loved one or in support of a family member or friend currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. We are hoping that as many as 4,000 women will join us to help us raise awareness of breast cancer and collect donations to help us continue to fund our vital services.
There are currently around 39,000 people living with cancer in Northern Ireland and of those 5,752 are living with breast cancer. Around 900 women a year in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with breast cancer and although the number increases slightly every year, the good news is more and more women are surviving the disease. Indeed, our campaign message this year is one of hope – there is life after cancer and the good news is that the earlier breast cancer is discovered, the better the chances are of successful treatment and full recovery. Research funded by UCF in Northern Ireland continues to shed light on this complex disease, its causes and treatment, and advances are being made.”
Gordons Chemists are currently working with UCF to gather more information on what women in Northern Ireland actually know about breast cancer. Over 3,000 Gordons customers across Northern Ireland have completed a questionnaire on breast cancer awareness and the results of these surveys will be available shortly.
Arlene Spiers continued, “It remains vitally important that all women learn to “be breast aware” from around their mid 20’s onwards. Women should know what their breasts are normally like and any changes should be reported to their GP without delay. Women should check their breasts whenever seems appropriate such as when dressing or in the shower. In addition, all women over 50 should attend for regular screening by mammography, when invited.”
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 39 stores province-wide on Friday 8th October at 1:15PM.
“Our continued store expansion programme demonstrates our commitment to driving quality pharmacy and healthcare provision to 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.
The Ulster Cancer Foundation offers a wide variety of information and support for women throughout Northern Ireland including, Breast Cancer Support Groups Meetings, Specialist Bra and Swimwear fitting service for mastectomy patients, Freefone Cancer Helpline (Tel: 0800 783 33 39), professional counselling, art and beauty therapy classes.
For further information on this years campaign and any of our events including the Pink Ribbon Luncheon Event on Friday 22nd October with special guests – the “Real Calendar girls” please contact Nicola Smyth, PR & Events Manager, Ulster Cancer Foundation, on Tel: 028 9049 2007 or nicolasmyth@ulstercancer.org
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For further information please contact Nicola Smyth UCF PR Manager on Tel: 07703 321643 / nicolasmyth@ulstercancer.org or Derval Keenan PR Officer on Tel: 028 9049 2007 / dervalkeenan@ulstercancer.org
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