Think pink this sunday

Kells has been turning pink ahead of the Boyne Valley Pink Ribbon Walk which takes place on Sunday.   
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month – and what better way to support it than by joining in the Boyne Valley Pink Ribbon Walk in Kells.
This fun fundraising event aims to raise money for Action Breast Cancer – a programme of the Irish Cancer Society.  
The heritage town is turning pink in support of the event, with many local businesses and shops dressing their windows with colourful displays. Sinead Kennedy, host of Winning Streak, will join the walkers on the day.
There is still time to register for the 10km Run/Walk. It’s not just for women either – men are very welcome to take part and families (with children over the age of 12) and teams are also invited to sign up.
“We understand that there are many very worthy charities currently fundraising in the Boyne Valley region so we would like to let everyone know that we are relaxing our request for participants to raise €100,” says Co-Chairperson Jess Olohan.
“Please know that every cent that you do raise goes directly to Action Breast Cancer and the Irish Cancer Society to help them to provide vital services to thousands of people annually. All we ask is that you do your best and you will find great fundraising ideas on our website.”
The closing ceremony will be a little different this year as the organisers would like all their participants to join them after the walk in Headfort Place to cheer on The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust Truck Run in memory of Anne-Marie Gaughran.
Entry forms for the walk can be picked up in many local shops and outlets or from Kells Chamber Office (phone 046 924 0055) or register online at www.pinkribbonwalk.ie
You can also register and collect your t-shirt and race number at the check-in desk at the Parish Hall (church car park) between 3pm and 6pm on Saturday or between 11.30am and 1.30pm. If you are registering on the day, then please get there early to allow yourself enough time.
The run/walk will start from the church car park on Headfort Place at 2pm sharp on Sunday. There will be a fun warm-up session beforehand with David Moran of The Fit Factory and musical entertainment, so please get there early. Participants are asked to be on site by 1.15pm.
The entry fee to take part in the Pink Ribbon Walk is €20 per participant. This non-refundable entry fee covers the administration and various costs (health and safety, insurance, printing, etc.) involved in organising the walk. For this entry fee, you will receive: a sponsorship form, an artist-designed Pink Ribbon Walk t-shirt to wear on the day, refreshments, toilet facilities on the route, a Pink Ribbon Walk medal on completion of the walk and food at the finish. The run/walk is also chipped and timed.
The walk has a lovely scenic route, which starts and finishes in Kells and takes a circular route around Maudlin, Cherry Hill and the grounds of Headfort House. Some local landowners have generously agreed to open their fields for the purpose of the walk - so the route is exclusively open only for the day of the event. The cross-country/road route really showcases some beautiful scenery. The walk will finish back at the Town Hall on Headfort Place, where participants will enjoy food, a closing ceremony and post-race entertainment in the Headfort Arms Hotel.
Each participant is asked to do their best to raise some sponsorship money (in addition to the €20 entry fee). Every cent of sponsorship money goes directly to Action Breast Cancer. You have until Monday 12th October to hand in your fundraising.
Weather-appropriate clothes and sturdy walking boots are advisable. And think pink - wear your Boyne Valley Pink Ribbon t-shirt and accessorise accordingly! There will be toilet and litter facilities along the route and water will be provided - but it is recommended that you carry some water and a snack with you in a backpack.