Enniskillen Pink Run raises £47,000 for cancer services

The fundraising total was announced at the Fermanagh Cancer Focus Centre’s pink coffee morning, which was held to thank supporters and highlight the work being carried out in Fermanagh.

Krystle Corrigan, the Fundraising Officer for Cancer Focus NI Fermanagh branch, said she had been delighted by the turnout, particularly given the weather conditions.

“Fermanagh people just do you proud no matter what. They were absolutely fabulous.” Ms. Corrigan said.

Ms. Corrigan said raising £47,000 was a remarkable result, particularly in a rural area where the same people often return time and again to support local causes.

“£47,000 is amazing,” she said, adding that the organisers did not take the community's generosity for granted.

She also paid tribute to the people who helped make the event possible, from those who took part in the run to the volunteers working behind the scenes and also took the time to thank the main sponsors of the Pink Run, Encric and CB Fuels.

Around 80 volunteers were needed on the day, while local businesses also provided vital support, with Danske Bank providing a pink powder station for the runners as they finished the run.

Ms. Corrigan said the event's success was down to the collective effort of the community, rather than any one person or organisation.

The money raised will stay in Fermanagh, helping Cancer Focus NI continue providing breast cancer awareness and support services for people in the area.

This includes bra-fitting days, support for people affected by breast cancer and events designed to help those living with the disease or recovering from treatment.

Democratic Unionist Party MLA Deborah Erskine also praised the generosity shown by local people, saying the fundraising total reflected the strong community spirit across Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

Mrs. Erskine, who said two members of her own family had experienced breast cancer, highlighted the importance of ensuring people have support throughout their diagnosis and treatment.

“It's about the community coming together,” she said.

“There's people here to support you.”

She said having access to friends, family and charities such as Cancer Focus NI could make a significant difference to those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, helping them feel less alone.

Mrs. Erskine added that she was incredibly proud of the amount raised, particularly at a time when many households were struggling with the cost of living.

She said the continued support for Cancer Focus NI demonstrated how much local people valued the services available within their community.

“That just goes to show the importance of Cancer Focus here in the area and how people see that they have supported people within the area.”

Alongside its fundraising efforts, Cancer Focus NI is also preparing to host a ‘Find Your Pink’ event in Enniskillen for men and women affected by breast cancer.

Sheena Healy, a Cancer Support Specialist, said the event will focus on confidence, wellbeing and breast awareness, bringing people together in a relaxed setting where they can meet others who have been through similar experiences.

The programme will include information about bra and swimwear fitting services, as well as a ‘Step into Your Colours’ workshop exploring how colour can help people embrace their individuality and feel more confident.

The event is open to people at every stage of their breast cancer journey, including those who have recently been diagnosed, are currently living with the disease or have finished treatment.

Ms. Healy encouraged anyone affected by breast cancer to attend, emphasising that the event was open to both men and women.

The event will take place on October 20, at the Fermanagh Cancer Support Centre between 10:00am and 1:00pm.