Mayo’s efforts to paint the county pink in 2014 raised more than €90,500 for breast cancer research.
Organisers of the Mayo Pink Ribbon campaign said yesterday they were delighted with the impressive overall figure for the year.
The funds go directly to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute in Galway, making Mayo Pink Ribbon one of the biggest contributors to the institute.
The main fundraising activities in 2014 were the Pink Ribbon Cycle, which took place on the May Bank Holiday Weekend, a golf classic in Ballina, and Willie Joe's Barbecue.
“The committee work hard to keep running costs a minimum so almost every penny goes straight to breast cancer research,” said Lourda McHugh from the Mayo Pink Ribbon committee.
Other committee members include Marita Staunton, Yvonne Horkan, and Mary Loftus.
“We are so grateful to everyone who raised money for Mayo Pink Ribbon or who supported the events in any way,” added Ms McHugh. “We appreciate the efforts made to 'Paint Mayo Pink', the supporters along the cycle routes, and everyone who helped in the organisation of our events.”
Mayo Pink Ribbon is a voluntary group of people who came together to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research because of their strong believes that research is the key to a better future for all women and men, whose lives will be touched by breast cancer.
“Our biggest achievement to date has been the sponsoring of two post doctoral research scientists working at the National Breast Cancer Research Institute in Galway,” said Ms Staunton. “The institute has made significant advances in identifying biological markers involved in the detection, development, and spread of breast cancer. We are particularly excited about the current research into the role of stem cells and novel therapies in triple negative breast cancer and are proud to be involved in this work.”
For more information on Mayo Pink Ribbon and future events, visit www.mayopinkribbon.ie or telephone Lourda McHugh on (086 ) 8562423.
