Think Pink! And Join The Pink Link in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness

The Ulster Cancer Foundation has teamed up with Gordons Chemists yet again to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the charity’s Think Pink! Campaign, which runs during October, Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Together the Ulster Cancer Foundation and Gordons Chemists are encouraging people to Think Pink! throughout the month of October, and support the awareness and fundraising initiative that is PINK LINK! Pink Link helps local women across Northern Ireland with Breast Cancer.

Over the past three years Gordons Chemists have raised a total of £106,000 for the Ulster Cancer Foundation, and with the public’s support it is hoped that Pink Link! event in 2007 will be a great success.

This year 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! Join the Pink Link, by signing the ‘Pink Ribbon of Hope’ or by writing 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 Ulster Cancer Foundation, 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 in Northern Ireland, with 1 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 for the Ulster Cancer Foundation 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 taking 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 based on Eglantine Avenue, Belfast, Altnagelvin Hospital, and Dove House in Londonderry. 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, and we are expanding our current stock range of fashionable, functional products to provide a wider choice for our customers. We will be also be extending our product range to include nightwear, 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 of the Pink Link campaign: “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 of our part in it, 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 that this year’s Pink Link event will be equally successful, and we are delighted to be partnering Ulster Cancer Foundation 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 19th October) we would welcome your donations at any time throughour October – just Think Pink!

The Ulster Cancer Foundation recognises that when women are diagnosed with Breast Cancer, having someone to speak to, or knowing where to get support is very important. The Ulster Cancer Foundation provides a free and confidential Breast Cancer helpline (telephone number: 0800 783 3339) for anyone who is concerned or worried about the disease. Callers can 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 Breast Cancer helpline operates Mon – Fri from 9am – 5pm. Call 0800 783 3339 or alternatively you can email your queries or concerns to infocis@ulstercancer.org