1,000 women to ‘walk the walk’ for cancer

PLANS are continuing for 1,000 women to “walk the walk” in support of breast cancer sufferers.

Women across the mid-west region and beyond will let their feet do the talking on May 28 in the second annual Killaloe Pink Ribbon Walk in aid of Action Breast Cancer.

The 10km walk is along the lough shores.

The event will be one of the largest mobilisations of women in Ireland, this year, in support of breast cancer awareness and prevention.

The picturesque Shannonside town will turn pink for the day as walkers and runners show their solidarity with those battling the disease.

Organisers of the event are hoping to double participation levels from last year’s hugely successful inaugural walk when 550 took part and raised more than €80,000 for Action Breast Cancer.

Announcing this year’s event, patron and stylist Barbara McMahon said she expects an even bigger statement of support for those affected by the disease.

“We are only in our second year of the Pink Ribbon Walk in Killaloe but already there is a great sense that we have a real movement going here.

“There is an enormous sense of solidarity with women, and indeed men, affected by breast cancer as pretty much every person out there knows someone who has contracted the disease.

“The Pink Ribbon Walk is their opportunity to show their support for loved ones who are affected by breast cancer,” said Ms McMahon.

Among the participants will be Ballina based father-of-two Bobby Reynolds, whose wife Michelle, 35, died after an eight-year battle with breast cancer in October 2009. “All through Michelle’s cancer journey we had outstanding support from Action Breast Cancer, right up to home care nurses and night care nurses in the last few days of her life and that was a wonderful support,” he said.

“Our outcome wasn’t what we would have liked but not everyone gets beaten by breast cancer. That’s part of the message that we want to get out and Action Breast Cancer is certainly leading the charge in that regard.”

Organising committee chairperson Nicola Wood said: “This is a very serious issue, of course, but we have also successfully sought to develop a real sense of fun and participation around the walk.

“There was an incredible sense of camaraderie and spirit at last year’s event and we couldn’t have a better backdrop than here by the Shannon in Killaloe.

“The town was literally covered in pink for the walk last year. Shops were decked out in pink, all 600 walkers wore pink. People living along the route even got involved by decorating their houses with pink and some even hung out pink bras! It was incredible and we expect the same and more this year.”

* Details: www.pinkribbonwalk.ie