Limerick survivor marks decade cancer-free as advocate for major fundraiser

A LIMERICK woman who has been cancer-free for a decade is sharing her journey as a Patient Ambassador for the Very Pink Run in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland.

Juliette O'Connell from Kilteely will help rally thousands of supporters across Ireland to step out, and support the cause at the Very Pink Run in Bishopstown, Cork on Sunday, September 7.

There was no family history of breast cancer and Juliette was a keen cyclist when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, aged 41. “In June 2011, I noticed the rash, however it took me months before I had it checked out,” said Juliette.
“I showed the doctor the rash and she sent a letter to the breast care unit in Limerick to get it checked out... I never thought for one minute that this could be breast cancer.”

Juliette went through surgery and radiotherapy following her diagnosis. “It was a tough time, but I’m incredibly grateful that I’m now ten years cancer free. I am now a member of the Breast Cancer Ireland family and working as one of their outreach coordinators in the Munster area.”

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Since its inception, the Very Pink Run has grown into a global movement, with over 97,000 participants across 40 countries, raising a phenomenal €7.3 million to date. This year, the pink wave is set to sweep across Dublin, Cork and Kilkenny, with thousands more expected to lace up for one (or more!) of the events.

Registrations for the event are now open on www.verypinkrun.ie.

Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland speaking at the launch said: “We’re hugely excited to bring the Very Pink Run back again for 2025. This event simply keeps growing year on year, as does our Pink Tribe of supporters. Each and every participant is playing a role in helping us to move the dial on research, awareness, novel treatments and therapies – and ultimately – survival of the 3700 people diagnosed in Ireland each year.

"I strongly believe that research and awareness are what will lead to zero deaths from breast cancer. Secondly, I believe that people’s kindness is what will help us to realise that dream sooner rather than later. The reality is, the miracle of modern research doesn’t even get near a lab until heartfelt traditional generosity opens the door. A breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t bear thinking about, but in truth, here in Breast Cancer Ireland, it’s ALL we think about. We need to to make sure we’re supercharging the right research and increasing the research output.” 

The funds raised through the event this year will be channelled into two targeted areas by Breast Cancer Ireland, namely: Continued investment into research into metastatic disease progression to the brain and driving progression and speed of scientific discovery from research settings into International Clinical Trials.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s event, Catherine O’Toole, Head of Marketing for Very commented: “The Very Pink Run is one of the most powerful feel-good events of the year, supporting the excellent work of Breast Cancer Ireland, and we’re so proud to be the title sponsor once again in 2025. This event brings together entire communities, families, and survivors in the most uplifting way, while raising much-needed funds for research and education."

"With breast cancer impacting one in seven women and one in 738 men every year in Ireland, we know for certain that this is a cause that touches many of our customers, colleagues and their families”. 

Catherine continued: “Very has been working in the local community for over 50 years and this partnership is one that we are hugely proud of. So, we would encourage everyone to join us and sign up to walk, run, scoot or swagger with your family & friends in this year’s Very Pink Run and together we can help make a real and meaningful difference to those impacted by this awful disease”

The 10k event in Cork starts at 12 noon and the 5k event starts at 12.30pm on Sunday, September 7 at MTU, Bishopstown, Cork. It's open to all ages and abilities.