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Killaloe to turn pink for annual walk


A BALLINA-based father-of-two has pledged to participate in a cancer charity walk after his wife lost an eight-year battle with breast cancer.
Bobby Reynolds will join up to 1,000 women for the second annual Killaloe Pink Ribbon Walk in aid of Action Breast Cancer on May 28. His wife, Michelle, 35, died in October 2009.
“All through Michelle’s cancer journey, we had outstanding support from Action Breast Cancer, right up to homecare nurses and nightcare nurses in the last few days of her life and that was a wonderful support.
“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,” he said.
Event organisers are hoping to double participation levels from last year’s hugely successful inaugural event, when 550 took part and raised over €80,000 for Action Breast Cancer.
For the organising committee, the event is as much about raising awareness of breast cancer as it is raising funds.
“Early detection is essential for successful treatment of breast cancer and part of our objective with this walk is to help raise awareness so that those who contract breast cancer have the best possible chance of beating it,” said chairperson Nicola Wood.
“This is a very serious issue 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, one of the prettiest places in Ireland.
“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,” she added.
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 this year.
“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 sufferers, 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 10km walk starts at the Lakeside Hotel and travels along a picturesque route through the foothills overlooking Lough Derg before swinging back down into the town and culminating at the hotel.
For further details, including registration, fitness tips and fundraising ideas as well as upcoming events, or to help with volunteering on the day, log onto www.pinkribbonwalk.ie.

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