Letterkenny Pink Run/Walk gives Cancer Care West a financial boost

Organisers of the Letterkenny Pink Run/Walk were tickled pink to present a fantastic €3,640 to Cancer Care West this week.

The money was raised during a community fundraiser organised by local woman Lisa Gallagher and friends for breast cancer awareness month.

Over 260 runners and walkers turned out in their droves on 15th October, creating a sea of pink across their 3km and 5km routes.

Lisa, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, was motivated to give back to Cancer Care West for the support they have given her since her diagnosis. She teamed up with Marina Boyle, Jackie McAteer, and Monica Grier to organise the event, which turned out to be a fantastic feel-good fundraiser.

The Pink Run/Walk committee would like to extend their gratitude to Monica Grier and the Letterkenny Community Centre for the venue and to Kelly's Mountain Top, Kernans, Lidl, O'Hehirs Bakery for their sponsorship. Thanks also to Glenswilly mothers and others, Ciara McVeigh for the warm-up and the Breathnach family for their music. The support of local businesses who donated prizes for the raffle was greatly appreciated.

Lisa has also issued her heartfelt thanks to all participants, donors, and volunteers who made the event possible.

"It was a great success and we are delighted with the amount of money raised for our local Cancer Care West centre," Lisa said.

Lisa already raised an amazing €4,700 for Cancer Care West in August when she did a head shave before beginning chemotherapy. Her sister Tanya also braved the shave a month later, bringing extra funds and awareness to the charity.

Lisa describes Cancer Care West as a “Godsend in our community.”

The Donegal Cancer Support Centre, located in Letterkenny, has provided Lisa with reflexology, counselling and advice as she undergoes treatment.

“It’s not until you’re in that situation you realise how precious these services are,” she said.

“It’s such a relaxing environment in the centre. All you hear now is self-care, and people are always on the go, but I realise that self-care is what is going to get me through the journey.”