Donegal organisations raise breast cancer awareness

Women’s Collective Ireland-Donegal hosted “A Cup of Care” morning to raise breast cancer awareness.

In collaboration with the Bluestack Centre in Drimarone, the community event brought 45 women together, raising €588.19 for Breast Cancer Ireland.

The event highlighted the importance of breast health awareness, access to local support services and taking time to nurture personal wellbeing.

The morning featured a series of informative and inspiring contributions from local and national speakers, each offering valuable insights into different aspects of breast health and wellbeing.

Rachel Fitzgerald-Feeley from Breast Cancer Ireland delivered an engaging breast health education and awareness talk, sharing important information about breast awareness, self-checking and the importance of early detection.

Rachel also spoke openly about her own experience with cancer, bringing a personal and powerful perspective to the discussion.

Martina and Fiona, specialist post-surgery fitters from McElhinneys Lingerie Department, highlighted the local service available to women in Donegal following breast cancer surgery. Providing information on the range of post-surgery bras and prostheses available, helping to raise awareness of the practical support’s women can access during their recovery.

To conclude the morning, Mary Kara, holistic therapist from Angel’s Cove, guided participants through an exploration of mindfulness, encouraging women to reflect on the importance of positive thinking, self-care and the role of mindset in supporting overall wellbeing.

Danielle Bonner, Project Coordinator at Women’s Collective Ireland–Donegal, said:

“The morning was an opportunity to come together, for women to take a little time for themselves, connect with others and show community support for a cause that touches so many lives. We wanted to create a welcoming space where women could learn, share experiences and feel supported, while also highlighting the importance of breast health awareness in our local community.”

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the morning as important, informative and uplifting. Participants praised the quality of the presentations, the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with other women while learning about a topic that affects so many families.

Reflecting on her contribution, Rachel Fitzgerald-Feeley from Breast Cancer Ireland said:

“Coming from a strong immediate family history of breast cancer, my role gives me a great sense of purpose. Encouraging women to be proactive about their breast health, empowering them to be breast aware every month, means that if this disease is going to happen, there is hope that it is caught as early as possible.

“Delivering education to people in the 50–90 age bracket always reveals that there are some women who didn't realise they could be diagnosed past a certain age. Some may never have examined themselves in their lifetime, while others are completely unaware of how to check correctly or what to look for.

“I was very pleased to be able to address all these areas with the audience at the Bluestack Centre in Donegal, and I will continue to highlight the risks for this cohort going forward. A huge thanks to all involved in the organising and for the generous donation to Breast Cancer Ireland.”