By Aishlin Hennigan
The recent and untimely death of former popstar Sarah Harding from breast cancer at aged 39 shocked the world and also shed an important light on the ruthlessness of this disease. One in nine people will be diagnosed with breast cancer meaning it is a topic that hits home with many of us. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we are sharing many of the countless ways in which you can show your support. From supporting charities to carrying out a self-examination to finding helpful websites, take a look at just some of the fantastic events taking place to support breast cancer research, patients and survivors.
Swim in Pink for Breast Cancer Research
Get together with friends and family to swim at a beach, lake or river near you. You can raise funds to support the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, a national charity that funds a comprehensive research programme at the Lambe Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway. The event is created by Galway local and founder of Blackrock Beachwear, Louise Griffin. To mark her one-year anniversary and support the fundraiser further, Louise has also created a stunning ‘Swim in Pink’ swimsuit with all the profits going to the charity. The swimsuit is available to buy from her own website www.blackrockbeachwear.ie or from the National Breast Cancer Research Institute Website www.breastcancerresearch.ie/shop.
Pink Ladies Afternoon Tea At The G Hotel
The G Hotel invite you to join their Pink Ladies Afternoon Tea which is served daily from 12pm to 4:30pm throughout the month of October. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, savoury delicacies and sweet treats while supporting Breast Cancer Ireland. For every Pink Ladies Afternoon Tea purchased, the hotel will donate €2 to the incredible charity. If you want to add some bubbles, for every glass of Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rose sold they will donate €1. To book your table click here.
DMK PINKzyme Facial
DMK clinics across Ireland are turning their iconic Enzyme Therapy treatment pink! The beauty clinic are 2021 Pink Patrons of the Marie Keating Foundation and will donate 10% of the sale to the worthy charity. If the Pinkzyme treatment isn’t for you, some salon locations will offer a Tap and Donate service. DMK clinics are the only company in the world to offer transfer enzyme messages which encourages collagen and elastin formation in your skin, vital to keeping your skin plump and line-free. Each treatment is formulated with proteins which can penetrate the skin to tighten and contract fragile underlying muscles. Local stockists include Michelles Skin & Beauty Clinic.
Rosie Connolly Quinn X Breast Cancer Ireland
Mum of two, influencer and founder of hugely successful 4th ARQ, Rosie Connolly-Quinn has launched a striking pink tracksuit in support of Breast Cancer Ireland. Rosie Connolly expressed the charity is one she holds close to her heart with her mum being diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago. She has great gratitude for the workers and explained without the help of an amazing team of doctors, nurses and ground breaking research, she could have been in very different place. Each piece in the range is sustainably sourced and ethically produced with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Ireland to help fund pioneering research into breast cancer treatment. The pink tracksuits will be exclusively available for purchase at www.4THARQ.com
Loulerie
Dublin based jewellery brand Loulerie has teamed up with the charity Look Good Feel Better to create a timeless elegant necklace. The Look Good Feel Better charity understand that patients undergoing cancer treatment may feel a loss of control and self-esteem issues. They combat this by providing free skincare and make-up masterclasses to boost confidence and wellbeing. The design is inspired by the LGFB logo but also represents the patient’s journey. The first circle symbolises a person, and the other circle is the journey they have been on or are going through, they cannot be separated. 100% of the profit made by on the purchase will go to the Irish charity. The Interlinking Journey necklace is available at Loulerie, 14b Chatham Street and online at www.loulerie.com.
Penneys
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Penneys has launched its first collection of leisure, nightwear, underwear and accessories designed and developed for those who have experienced breast cancer and undergone breast surgery. The campaign images feature women who have experienced breast cancer and the collection was designed with the help of cancer patients and oncology nurses who trialled and tested the products. Made with breathable fabric, two types of post surgery bras feature in the collection, a zip up bra with a front and back closure to allow for ease of dressing immediately after surgery and a lightly padded bra designed for women who have recovered from surgery. Alongside the post-surgery bras, the collection features lingerie, slippers, women’s jersey tees, sweats and cosmetic bags in a mauve and soft pink colour palette. Images of ways to detect breast cancer will also feature across the brand’s shops. As well as the inclusive collection, Penneys has also made a €40,000 donation to Irish Cancer Society.
SOSU – She is Strength Lashes
Suzanne Jackson is a long time advocate of breast cancer awareness and this year she is raising awareness for the cause with her iconic lashes. All profits from the She is Strength lashes will go towards Breast Cancer Ireland which supports pioneering research programmes and promote awareness and education programmes for all ages. There will be an additional option to donate to the charity at checkout. Her campaign features six strong women who have battled cancer in the past. The lash itself is a stunning delicate style with medium length and a gentle curl – ideal for every eye shape. It is available for purchase here.
How To Do a Self-Examination
Donating to breast cancer charities are a great way to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, however promoting self-examination and educating yourself on signs are also an important way of getting involved. Last month, following the death of the Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding, Newstalk presenter Dr. Ciara Kelly shared on her Instagram how to perform a self examination of your breasts. She also linked a Q&A in her highlights in order to spread awareness. For more information visit Home – Breast Cancer Ireland.
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