TV stylist lends support to third Pink Ribbon Walk

Television presenter and stylist Barbara McMahon will officially launch the Kells Pink Ribbon Walk 2011 at an art exhibition at the Ace Autobody Showroom, Bective Street, on Friday 24th June. Now in its third year, the Kells Pink Ribbon Walk and its sister walk in Killaloe, Co Clare, have, to date, raised over €300,000 for Action Breast Cancer, a programme of the Irish Cancer Society. "I'm delighted to be on board and to help as much as possible to spread the Pink Ribbon word," said Barbara McMahon. "The Pink Ribbon Walks have been a huge success since we founded the organisation in 2009," said chairperson Penny McGowan. "Our overall aim is to grow the walks into a national event and we're delighted to announce that Kinsale in Co Cork will be hosting a Pink Ribbon Walk in March 2012. "Over a dozen prominent Irish artists have kindly offered to host an art exhibition to launch the Kells Pink Ribbon Walk 2011 and we hope that all our friends, supporters, sponsors and volunteers will join us for what is set to be a very enjoyable evening for a very good cause." Action Breast Cancer reaches over 25,000 women in Ireland each year who are concerned about breast cancer. Its programmes include counselling and patient support, breast awareness education, specialist nurses, a phone helpline, patient grants and other vital services. The leading artists taking part in the exhibition, which will also run during the Kells Heritage Festival (Friday 24th June to Sunday 3rd July), include sculptors Patrick Morris and Joey Burns, painters David Duignan, Ian Rogan, Jacinta Eiffe Faherty, Marguerite Dolan and Gwen O'Sullivan, photographer Suella Holland, glass/mixed media artist Fiona Murphy and novelist and illustrator, Oisin McGann. The Kells Pink Ribbon Walk 2011 will take place on Saturday 3rd September and is a 10km walk/run around a scenic looped route, starting at Drewstown House and taking in the unique and scenic Girley Eco Bog Walk. Leading author and keen walker, Christopher Somerville, recently named Girley Eco Bog as one of the top 50 walks in Ireland in his new book, 'Walking In Ireland'. Entry to the fundraising walk is €20, which covers the administration and costs involved in organising the event. Every cent of the money raised in sponsorship will go directly to Action Breast Cancer. For the entry fee, participants will receive a sponsorship form, an artist-designed t-shirt, a medal upon completion of the walk and post-event refreshments. Participants can register online via the Kells Pink Ribbon Walk website or pick up a registration form from the Kells Chamber Office at Carrick Street. The launch of the event will take place from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on 24th June at the Ace Autobody Showroom. Thirty per cent of any sales of works of art on the night will be donated to Kells Pink Ribbon Walk, while the wine reception has been sponsored by O'Brien's SuperValu, Kells. Admission to the exhibition is free and all are welcome to attend.