Bank Holiday "Pink Ribbon Walk" in Clonakilty raises over €10,500 for Action Breast Cancer

27 October 2010

The second year of a "Pink Ribbon Walk" for Action Breast Cancer proved even more successful than the first year, with over seven hundred people registering to take part in the event and 300 children. Wearing mostly pink, people registered for the walk at Fernhill House hotel and Gardens, Clonakilty where they made a suggested donation of €10 or a personal donation to the charity amounting to a staggering €10,500 with more donations expected.

The mixed group of walkers of all ages set off at 11:30a.m for the four mile walk.  By 1pm the walkers returned to the hotel where they were served with pink refreshments including savoury snacks, pink champagne provided by Pallas Foods, ice-cream and delicious pink cupcakes.

The event was sponsored by the owners of Fernhill House Hotel and Gardens, Michael and Teresa O' Neill who were aided by the Irish Cancer Society including volunteers Therese Hayes and Liz O' Regan. Many staff from the hotel volunteered for the day and their parents also helped to ensure all the walkers enjoyed the pink themed reception. Teresa said:

 

"We had no idea that there would be this level of turn out for today's walk. Last year we had the view of making this an annual fun day out for all the family but we didn't think that this many people would come out for the cause. We had a great committee of people helping us today and I want to thank them all including the Gardai and stewards. It really lifted our spirits to see so much good will and positivity around and I hope that next year's event will be as successful."

All the volunteers then gathered in front of the hotel where they released pink balloons into the air in memory of a loved one. Action Breast Cancer is a programme of the Irish Cancer Society and is Ireland's leading provider of breast cancer information and support. Each year the organisation reaches over 25,000 women who are concerned about breast cancer and breast health.

For more information on Action Breast Cancer and similar events see www.cancer.ie