Large turnout for Mullingar Pink Ribbon event

Friday morning, October 23, motorists on the Castlepollard Road outside Mullingar would have been forgiven for thinking there was a misplaced Towns Cup fixture as the car park of Mullingar RFC was filled out.

However, the draw to Cullion was not an oval ball, but a special Pink Ribbon Coffee Morning in support of the Irish Cancer Society and its work with people affected by breast cancer.

Organised as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed internationally each October, it promoted awareness, and encouraged early detection and screening, while showing support for patients and their families.

Marie O’Toole, chairperson of the Mullingar Pink Ribbon committee, described the large number of people who came out as remarkable: “When we saw the weather forecast yesterday, we almost had a heart attack because it sounded like it was going to be very inclement today. But the sun has come out, it's shining this morning, and we have an amazing turnout.

“Last year we had in the region of about 200 people on the day. With the numbers here this morning, it looks like it's certainly going to be ahead of that this year.”

The Pink Ribbon Coffee Morning proceeds go to supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s work: “October is the month dedicated to cancers associated with women, whether it's breast cancer, or ovarian cancer,” Marie said. “We're here today to increase the awareness as well as fundraise for the Irish Cancer Society and the work that they do in the fight against cancer.”

Visitors enjoyed tea and coffee alongside homemade baked goods and jams. Facilitating the event were a large body of enlistees: “We have an amazing number of volunteers. First of all, we have nine on our committee. That committee started the planning on this two months ago.

“Each one of the committee members will bring one or two other helpers along on the day, because with the number of people we have in attendance, we need the extra hands on board.

“Everybody is so willing to help us out. We're delighted and a big thanks to all of our committee and all of the people that helped us on the day.”

The people of Mullingar and the wider Westmeath community turned out in force for the coffee morning. The popularity of the event is in part a reflection of the impact the charity has had on so many lives: “The Irish Cancer Society provides access to clinical nurses, they can also get counselling services, and access to the Care to Drive programme to deal with their treatment, to be taken to their treatment.”

Marie said the day is not solely about women. Annually there are over 4,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer, but each year 30 men receive the diagnosis: “Any change that takes place in a breast should not be taken for granted. We know that the survival rates for breast cancer have increased year on year, and a lot of that has got to do with early detection.

“The survival rate at this stage is approximately 90% of women who receive a cancer diagnosis will survive after five years. Our message is about awareness for women to regularly check their breasts. And if they see any change whatsoever, to go and have it looked into.”

The success of the day was largely down to public support, but the raffle featuring hampers and vouchers, and all the tasty treats also had a part to play.