TV presenter adds glamour to Pink Ribbon Walk launch

Television presenter and stylist, Barbara McMahon, officially launched the third Kells Pink Ribbon Walk at an art exhibition in the town on Friday. The Kells Pink Ribbon Walk is now in its third year and, together with its sister walk in Killaloe, has raised over €300,000 for Action Breast Cancer, a programme of the Irish Cancer Society. A further walk is planned for Kinsale in Cork in 2012. Barbara, a staunch supporter of the Kells Pink Ribbon Walk, praised the walk's supporters, who have made it such a success. "There is a sense that we have a real movement going on 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," she said. The art exhibition was a great success, with over a dozen prominent Irish artists donating 30 per cent of their sales on the night to the Kells Pink Ribbon Walk. A raffle of pieces donated by some of the artists also took place, again with all funds going to the Kells Pink Ribbon Walk. Pink Ribbon chairperson, Penny McGowan, thanked the artists for their generosity and all present for their support, saying: "Without people like you, who go out and raise money and awareness, the Pink Ribbon Walk wouldn't be the success it is - so thanks to each and every one of you." She was also delighted to announce that Specsavers has come on board as a lead sponsor of the Pink Ribbon Walk. Kerril Hickey, partner in the Specsavers stores in Navan, Mullingar and Drogheda, was amongst those present at the launch. Irish Cancer Society CEO, John McCormack, gave some sobering statistics to the gathering: "In 2010, 110 women in Meath were diagnosed with breast cancer - that's two women every week," he said, "And without the fundraising efforts of groups like the Kells Pink Ribbon Walk, we would not be able to give those people the support they so desperately need." Action Breast Cancer reaches over 25,000 women in Ireland each year who are concerned about breast cancer. Its programmes include counselling and patient support, breast awareness education, specialist nurses, a phone helpline, patient grants and other vital services. The Kells Pink Ribbon Walk 2011 will take place on Saturday 3rd September and is a 10km walk/run around a scenic looped route, starting at Drewstown House and taking in the unique and scenic Girley Eco Bog Walk. Entry to the Walk is €20, which covers the administration and costs involved in organising the event. Money raised in sponsorship goes directly to Action Breast Cancer. For this entry fee, participants will receive a sponsorship form, an artist-designed t-shirt, a medal upon completion of the walk and post-event refreshments. Participants can register online via the website (www.pinkribbonwalk.ie) or pick up a registration form from the Kells Chamber office at Carrick Street. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help in the run-up or on the day of the Pink Ribbon Walk is welcome to get in touch with the organisers.