Cancer Focus client Joanne Jones, Clare Mawhinney, Dale Farm and Lauren Clarke, Pink Run Ambassador.
County Antrim woman Joanne Jones has told of her living nightmare after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. It was during that difficult time Joanne first discovered the help and support of Cancer Focus NI.
Joanne, who lives in Ballyclare, shared her personal story as she gave her backing to the Cancer Focus NI's 5k Pink Run which returns to Titanic Slipways on 13 October.
This flagship event encourages everyone, including families and pets, to participate and raise funds for breast cancer support services such as counselling, family support, bra & swimwear fitting, and specialist support groups.
Joanne knows the importance of these vital services for cancer sufferers across the province. She said:
“When I left the hospital after my diagnosis, I was in complete shock and numb. I was scared, knowing I was going to lose my breast. The long wait for my mastectomy felt like a living nightmare. I was planning what I would say to my daughter and started making plans for my own funeral arrangements.
“Cancer Focus NI were there for me when I really needed help and to learn that the charity can only do their work thanks to generous donations really means something. It’s touching to know that a stranger somewhere helped fund the service that was there for me when I needed it most. Every penny or pound you raise for this charity during breast cancer awareness month will make a meaningful difference to someone’s life.’’
Joanne also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, saying:
“It is so important to know your own normal, check your breasts and seek support from your GP immediately if you experience any changes or breast cancer symptoms. However, if like me you happen to be one of the ones whose cancer journey leads to surgery and treatment, remember that help and support is out there.
Cancer Focus NI client Joanne Jones from Ballyclare
Marking the announcement of the annual much anticipated event, Dale Farm who have supported the Pink Run for two years, have unveiled a new Summer Fruits flavour of their iconic Sukie drink and will be providing refreshments to every participant at this year’s race.
The event will also include fun activities for all the family, including games and prizes on the day.
Cancer Focus client Joanne Jones, Clare Mawhinney, Dale Farm and Lauren Clarke, Pink Run Ambassador.
Speaking at the campaign launch at Titanic Slipways, Sharon Campbell, Head of Marketing at Dale Farm, said:
“Our Dale Farm mission is all about sharing goodness in our local communities. Dale Farm is delighted to partner with Cancer Focus NI’s Pink Run and breast cancer awareness campaign as part of our wider community partnership programme.
“Last year, we reached a corporate partnership fundraising milestone raising £53,000 for Cancer Focus NI and have a vast range of on-going activities and initiatives throughout the year.
“Breast Cancer affects so many people across Northern Ireland. This year, we’re calling for people to ‘Think Pink with Sukie Drink’ to help deliver vital breast cancer awareness to people right across Northern Ireland. Together, we can inspire hope, raise awareness, and support Cancer Focus NI's vital research and services. Let’s make every step count!”
Maeve Colgan, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Cancer Focus NI, commented:
“Following the success of our Pink Run event last year, we’re so excited for this year’s fun run and aim to raise even more awareness and vital funds for our breast cancer support services. We’re thrilled to partner once again with Dale Farm as our title sponsor.
“Last year, this partnership helped our charity reach more people with breast cancer awareness messaging and encouraged a greater number of people to fundraise for Cancer Focus NI. A massive thank you must go to Dale Farm’s staff and customers for helping our charity to continue to support local people and families on their breast cancer journey.”
Cool FM presenter and long-time Cancer Focus NI ambassador, Rebecca McKinney, will host the Pink Run event, feature in the charity's radio adverts, and host a pop-up fashion evening at the charity’s Enniskillen retail shop in October.
Rebecca commented:
“As a Cancer Focus NI ambassador, I am delighted to once again support the Pink Run campaign. Unfortunately, like many people, cancer has touched my life, and I am so passionate about supporting the Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign and the 1 in 8 local women right here in Northern Ireland who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“The Pink Run is an amazing day out for the whole family, and I cannot wait to cheer participants along on the day and hear more about why they’ve chosen to fundraise for this wonderful charity.”
To register for the Pink Run or to organise your own Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser, visit cancerfocusni.org, email fundraising@cancerfocusni.org or call 028 9066 3281.