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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has teamed up with Gordons Chemists to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the charity’s Think Pink! Campaign which runs during October, breast cancer awareness month.
Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals and Marketing, Ulster Cancer Foundation joins Neil Gordon, co-founder of Gordons Chemists to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the charity’s Think Pink! Campaign which runs during October, breast cancer awareness month.
The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has teamed up with Gordons Chemists to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the charity’s Think Pink! Campaign which runs during October, breast cancer awareness month. Together the charity and the leading pharmacy chain are encouraging people to Think Pink! Throughout the month and support their joint awareness and fundraising initiative called PINK LINK, which helps local women with breast cancer.
Over the past three years Pink Link has raised a total of £106,000 for the charity and with support from the public it is hoped that this year’s event will be a great success.
This year the official Pink Link Day will take place on Friday 19th October at 1.15pm outside your local Gordons Chemists and you can join in the fun too!
The public are invited to join Pink Link, where supporters will be encouraged to sign the ‘pink ribbon of hope’ or write a short dedication in memory of a loved one, or in support of a family member or friend currently undergoing treatment.
Supporters will also be encouraged to give a donation of their choice to the campaign to raise vital funds to support and care for women with breast cancer in Northern Ireland.
Breast cancer is now the most common form of cancer amongst women in Northern Ireland. Every year there are around 1,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed with one in 11 women developing the disease before the age of 75.
In recent years, due to increased awareness and early detection, more women have been diagnosed with breast cancer; but the good news is that survival rates are improving. Today, there are around 6,000 women with a diagnosis of breast cancer living in Northern Ireland.
Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals and Marketing, UCF said:
"Our award-winning partnership with campaign sponsor Gordons Chemists helps to educate women on being 'breast aware', highlighting the importance of screening and early detection and takes this lifesaving message to women in every major town across Northern Ireland.
"The money raised form this year’s Pink Link will be invested in our Bra and Swimwear Fitting service, which we provide on a personal basis for women who have had breast cancer surgery. Consultations take place in a sensitive and caring environment in three locations – at our service centre 40/44 Eglantine Avenue, Belfast, Altnagelvin Hospital and Dove House in L’Derry.
"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. We provide this service free of charge and items can be purchased at cost price.
"To meet increased demands we aim to extend the service provision at Altnagelvin Hospital L’Derry and we are expanding our current range of fashionable, functional products providing a wider choice for our customers. We will be also be extending our product range to includenightwear, swimwear and underwear for patients with stomas.
"With any change of body image women can experience feelings of anxiety, loss of femininity and a lack of confidence; however it is rewarding to see women leave the Fitting Service feeling more confident and happy. We would like to thank Gordons Chemists staff and customers for their continued support of Pink Link, now in its fourth year, and which makes a real difference to local women with breast cancer."
Neil Gordon, co-founder of Gordons Chemists said:
"The Pink Link event is something which both our staff and customers look forward to supporting annually. The campaign has been tremendously successful in the past three years and we are very proud, not only of the huge contribution we have helped to make but also the awareness we have raised at a community level during this time.
"We have no doubt this year’s event will be equally successful and we are delighted to be partnering with UCF once again."
Gordons Chemists staff will be holding a variety of pink themed fundraising events during the month of October so if you can’t lend your support on Pink Link day (Friday 19 October) we welcome your donations at any time – just Think Pink!
You can also show your support by signing the ‘pink ribbon of hope’ online at www.ulstercancer.org Click on the Think Pink! button and follow the simple guide to lend your support to the campaign.
UCF recognises that when women are diagnosed with breast cancer, having someone to speak to or knowing where to get support is very important. UCF provides a free and confidential breast cancer helpline on 0800 783 3339 for anyone who is concerned or worried about the disease.
Callers speak directly to a cancer information nurse who specialises in providing information, support and advice on a whole range of services for patients, their families and friends. The helpline operates Mon – Fri from 9am – 5pm. Call 0800 783 3339 or alternatively you can email your queries or concerns to infocis@ulstercancer.org
Look out for anything, which is not normal for you. A lump is the most commonly recognised early symptom of breast cancer, but other symptoms can include:
Don’t forget to check under your arms for lumps or anything unusual.
For further information please contact:
Pauline Wylie
PR and Events Manager
Ulster Cancer Foundation
40-44 Eglantine Avenue
Belfast BT9 6DX
t: 028 9066 3281
m: 07810 371 118
w: www.ulstercancer.org
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