Pink Link Raises £106,000 for Breast Cancer Charity

Over the past three years Gordons Chemists staff and customers have organised a range of Pink Link fundraising activities during October, breast cancer awareness month, to raise funds to help support local women with the disease.

Last year’s Pink Link raised £41,000 which will help develop UCF’s bra and swimwear fitting service.

At the announcement Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals and Marketing, UCF said, “This is a tremendous fundraising achievement. Congratulations to Gordons Chemists staff and customers for their continued enthusiasm and commitment to Pink Link. Their support has enabled us to raise awareness of breast cancer and educate women on screening and early detection in communities across Northern Ireland.

“The £41,000 raised from last year’s Pink Link will be invested in UCF’s Fitting Service which is available at UCF, 40/44 Eglantine Avenue, Belfast; Altnagelvin Hospital and Dove House in L’Derry. We provide this personal fitting service on an individual and confidential basis for women who have had breast cancer surgery. Consultations take place in a sensitive and caring environment where women can choose from a wide range of pocketed bras and swimwear in the latest styles and a selection of headwear is also available for any woman who is experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment. This service is provided free of charge and all items can be purchased at cost price.”

Breast cancer is now the most common form of cancer amongst local women with over two women coming to terms with this devastating diagnosis every day.

Now in its fourth year, the Pink Link initiative is becoming a central part of UCF’s Think Pink! Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign to help support local women with the disease.

A delighted Neil Gordon, co-founder of Gordons Chemist, the province’s largest independent Pharmacy chain said, “This is an amazing milestone for us to have reached and our customers and staff have really taken this campaign to their hearts.

“We would personally like to thank everyone involved for their ongoing support, time and dedication to this worthy cause.

“As a proactive company which aims to raise awareness of vital health issues at a community level we are committed to doing all we can to raise the profile of the Ulster Cancer Foundation and the fundamental work carried out by them as well as vital funds to help support them and their patients.

“This is an illness which can strike anyone at any time, so it is crucial that we all do as much as we can.”

For up-to-date and easily understood information on cancer, practical advice and support, please call UCF’s cancer information and support helpline free phone 0800 783 3339. This confidential service is staffed by trained nurses who can provide expert assistance to callers and help to direct them to all available services. The helpline is available Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm.