Pink Ribbon Walkers hand over €75,000

The Kells Pink Ribbon Walk committee handed over a cheque for €75,000 to Action Breast Cancer at a presentation ceremony last Sunday evening in the Headfort Arms Hotel. The money was raised by over 600 runners and walkers who took part in the second annual Kells Pink Ribbon Walk at Drewstown House on 11th September, 2010. “We are so proud of the achievement of the Kells Pink Ribbon Walkers who raised this fantastic amount of money in very challenging economic times,†according to Penny McGowan, Pink Ribbon Walk committee chairperson. “Their donation will help Action Breast Cancer support people who have been affected by breast cancer, as well as funding the breast awareness programmes and innovative research that will contribute towards what we all want – a cure for cancer.†Prizes were presented to the fastest runners on the day, as well as to those who raised the most sponsorship. Ms McGowan then paid tribute to the many people and companies that helped make the event such a success. Accepting the cheque on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society, CEO John McCormack said: “I would like to say a heartfelt 'thank you' to the wonderful Kells Pink Ribbon Walk, which has been such an incredible success. “We hope to return to Drewstown House for many years to come and enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of pink ladies dancing, walking and laughing in the green fields that surround it! “Your ongoing support is vital to our work. Cancer touches so many lives both directly and indirectly. In 2009, 91 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in Meath and, with support like this at a community level, we can continue to promote breast awareness and help women diagnosed with the disease.†The substantial amount raised by this year's Kells walk, combined with the €80,000 raised by the Killaloe Pink Ribbon Walk in June 2010 and the €100,000 raised by the first Kells Pink Ribbon Walk in September 2009, brings the total amount raised by Pink Ribbon Walk to €255,000 in just over 14 months. The Pink Ribbon Walk hopes to grow the event and set up Pink Ribbon Walks all over Ireland. The date for next year's Kells event has already been set – 3rd September 2011. The prizewinners were: fastest male, Andrew Hobson; second fastest runner, David Carolan; most colourful team, Sonique hair dressing salon; most colourful individuals, Frances Kiernan and Monica O'Farrell; joint highest fundraisers (individual), Bridget Hession and Vonnie Macken; highest fundraisers (team) ,The Chancers; highest fundraisers (family), Veronica Darby, Josie Carey and Miriam Ward; special prize for three generations of Pink Ribbon Walkers, Josephine Hennessey, Hilary and Charlene Gough; Random prizewinners, Dermot Lynch, Laura Mulvaney, Louise Gaughran, Sharon King and Anne Beggy.