Hi,

This year the Canada Life and Irish Life companies in Ireland selected two great charities to support - Breast Cancer Ireland and Pieta House.

Inspired by a wonderful colleague Mags Gribben who was the driving force in getting Breast Cancer Ireland selected, I will be doing the 10k at the Great Pink Run on September 6th.

The Great Pink Run is fantastically fun and upbeat race. I ran it in 2022 , not long after completing my own treatment for breast cancer (hence the mad post chemo hair in the photo accompanying this appeal).

Many of us know someone who has been impacted by this illness. While I’m now in the happy place of feeling like my cancer is largely in the rear view mirror. I have to admit I do get nervous in the run up to my twice yearly check ups. I also take two medications to prevent recurrence. Interestingly one of these is a trial of a drug that hasn’t been used for breast cancer survivors until recently. It was initially designed for prostate cancer patients.

For me this shows the importance of continuous research into breast cancer and its treatment. Breast Cancer Ireland’s main mission is to speed up research to ensure better and more positive treatment options for patients.

It would be great if you could support these 2 great charities (either through me or any of the other staff charity events being run throughout the year). No pressure at all though as I know there are lots of good causes out there.

Colleagues will know that our employer matches any moneys raised so by contributing €5 here, €10 will go to the charities. I'm just letting my friends and family know about this so you can feel doubly good about any donation you can make.

Thanks

Carol