Lough Lene Lovvies make splash in pink for annual fundraiser swim
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Around 50 swimmers took part in the annual Swim in Pink fundraiser.Image 2 of 12
Penny Campbell, Fiadh Gallagher and Olwen Campbell enjoying the sunshine at Lough Lene after the swim in pink.Image 3 of 12
Caroline Pilkington and Tessa Quartermaine.Image 4 of 12
Caroline Pilkington braves the elements.Image 5 of 12
Champayne Chamberlain and Liz Cooper.Image 6 of 12
Jen and Feadh Gallagher, Ray Scully and niece.Image 7 of 12
Jen Gallagher with Ruth and Helen.Image 8 of 12
Helen Coyle, Caroline Pilkington, Ruth Sweeney.Image 9 of 12
Swimmers donned their pink hats and braved the chilly waters.Image 10 of 12
Lucy Nea.Image 11 of 12
The Swim in Pink initiative encourages people to dip, swim or splash in support of breast cancer research.Image 12 of 12
Ruth Sweeney, Mary Egan, Helen Coyle.The Lough Lene Lovvies turned Lough Lene pink on Sunday October 11, as more than 50 swimmers took to the waters for the sixth annual Swim in Pink fundraiser in aid of breast cancer research.
Organised locally by Caroline Pilkington, the event took place at the popular swimming spot near Collinstown as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and swimmers donned pink hats to support a cause that touches the lives of so many families.
Caroline, who has recently undergone treatment for breast cancer, was delighted by the turnout and hopes the event will continue to grow in the years ahead.
“It was great. It was amazing,” she said. “When I arrived at Lough Lene at about half past 12, there was a whole lot of pink hats out in the water already. I thought, ‘Oh my God, have I got my times wrong or something?’ But it was another group who were taking part and had been there since 12 o’clock.”
Last year, around 30 women and one man participated. This year, Caroline estimates that more than 50 swimmers took part.
“I hope the word is spreading and it will continue to grow in coming years,” she added.
The fundraiser has also proved a success financially. The Lough Lene Lovvies’ online fundraising total reached €5,060, Caroline banked a further €600 and another friend raised an additional €600. Other donations have also contributed to the growing total.
All funds raised go directly to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute in Galway, which supports research into improved diagnosis, treatments and outcomes for patients.
Caroline knows first-hand how important that research is. First diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, she received a second diagnosis 15 years later.
“One in seven women are affected during their lifetimes,” she said. “Having had breast cancer myself in 2010, and now again, I can see the huge steps taken in diagnosis, treatment and aftercare over that period of time.”
Caroline previously participated in the TAILORx clinical trial, an international study investigating whether all women with certain types of breast cancer needed chemotherapy. The research helped identify patients who could safely avoid the treatment.
The Swim in Pink initiative encourages people nationwide to dip, swim or splash in support of breast cancer research. Over the years, it has attracted more than 5,000 swimmers and raised in excess of €500,000.
Researchers based at the Lambe Institute at the University of Galway continue to lead major projects aimed at improving breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.