Galway is turning PINK this October, as prominent landmarks across the city light up in support of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI ) during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The initiative will bring a powerful visual message of awareness, hope and solidarity to people throughout Galway affected by breast cancer, their families and friends, and especially those who have sadly lost loved ones to the disease.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Ireland, with approximately one in seven women expected to develop the disease, and 4,036 new cases diagnosed each year.
Landmarks taking part in the inaugural Galway Goes PINK initiative include Galway City Hall, University Hospital Galway, Terryland Castle, Droichead an Dóchais (Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge ) and University of Galway.
The pink lights will also serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting the breast cancer research team at the Lambe Institute, University of Galway, and the research being supported by NBCRI.
Throughout October, NBCRI is encouraging people across Galway and beyond to get involved in a range of fundraising activities, including Swim in Pink on Sunday, October 11 at Ladies Beach on the Salthill Promenade (www.SwimInPink.ie ); Race in Pink at the Galway Races Autumn Festival on Sunday, October 25 (www.RaceInPink.ie ); and the Win a BMW fundraiser, which runs until October 25 (www.WinABMW.ie ).
Businesses, schools, workplaces and community groups are also invited to GO PINK by organising their own pink-themed event during October to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
NBCRI hopes Galway Goes PINK will become an annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiative, with even more local businesses, organisations and communities coming on board to turn Galway pink each October.
The National Breast Cancer Research Institute would like to sincerely thank all the organisations supporting Galway Goes PINK in its first year and helping to shine a light on breast cancer awareness and research throughout the city.
