University Hospital Galway’s Radiotherapy Department Hosts Big Pink Breakfast to Support the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Services

The Radiotherapy Department at University Hospital Galway (UHG) recently hosted a Big Pink Breakfast to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) raising an incredible €2,736 in support of the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Services. 

This generous contribution will make a real difference to patients and families affected by breast cancer. The funds raised for the Irish Cancer Society are equivalent to: 

• 91 lifts to and from treatment using the Irish Cancer Society Transport Service 
• 45 Irish Cancer Society counselling sessions to help someone deal with a cancer diagnosis 
• More than 5 nights of Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing care for patients at home

Speaking about the event, Stephen Coyne, Radiotherapy Services Manager, said: “Every euro raised through the Big Pink Breakfast directly supports the Irish Cancer Society’s life-changing breast cancer research, essential patient services, and free care for those in need. This donation is a testament to the generosity and compassion of the UHG Radiotherapy team and the wider hospital community. Together, we’re helping ensure that no one in Ireland has to face breast cancer alone.” 

Edel O'Toole, Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist, added: “We were delighted with the incredible response to this year’s Big Pink Breakfast. It was wonderful to see so many colleagues and departments come together in support of such an important cause. The generosity shown by staff and visitors alike will help bring comfort and care to patients and families across Ireland affected by breast cancer. 

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed, sponsored, attended, and supported this meaningful event.” 

Glenda Ryan, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at the Irish Cancer Society, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone in the Radiology Department in University Hospital Galway for hosting a Big Pink Breakfast, and to everyone across the hospital who supported them by donating.  

“The funds raised at the Big Pink Breakfast will make an enormous difference to people right across Ireland who are affected by breast cancer.  

“It will help to fuel the Irish Cancer Society’s vital support services, like Night Nursing, our Daffodil Centres, our Support Line and counselling. It will also be used to fund ground-breaking breast cancer research.  

“The Irish Cancer Society typically receives just 5% of our funding from the Government, so your support for the Big Pink Breakfast is vital and makes a huge difference to so many people who are affected by breast cancer. Your generous donations help to ensure no one has to face cancer alone.”