Rathkeale shop helps to break cycle of cancer with fundraiser

CURRENTLY, one in seven Irish women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. 

A total of 3,507 cases are diagnosed annually which is set to continue to increase.  These women are our mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, friends and neighbours. 

The Christmas and new year period is an especially sad time for families who have lost loved ones to cancer.

The National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) works to improve outcomes for women in Ireland.

It was the charity chosen by Derek Downes, owner and operator of Downes’ EUROSPAR Rathkeale, and his team for a fundraiser.

They organised a static-cycle in the store and invited staff and customers to donate to the cause which they did with incredible generosity. Lots of calories were burnt and euros collected on the day.

The event saw members of the team, and customers, cycle in store from 9am to 6pm with plenty of entertainment also laid on for participants  and supporters.  Through bucket collecting on the day, Derek was thrilled to raise over €4,000 for the NBCRI.

Commenting, Derek said: “We were able to raise the phenomenal amount of €4,100 for our charity partner, National Breast Cancer Research Institute, which we are absolutely thrilled with.” 

Derek said these funds will make a direct and impactful difference to patients and their families.

“It was wonderful to get such a positive reaction from our customers and the local community at large,” said Derek.

Chosen as the official charity partner of EUROSPAR by retailers, the National Breast Cancer Research Institute is a national charity that funds a comprehensive research programme that has helped improve the diagnosis, treatment options, and outcomes for those who are diagnosed with breast cancer. 

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The research team, in collaboration with universities and hospitals across the globe, focuses on the development and improvement of diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies, to drive real and measurable improvement in clinical outcomes for breast cancer patients.

EUROSPAR retailers like Derek raise much needed funds through in-store collections, contributions from the sale of select SPAR own brand products and other fundraising efforts through its countrywide network of stores and community initiatives. The NBCRI also avail of the retail network as a powerful platform to raise public awareness across Ireland.

With the help of fundraisers like in Downes'' EUROSPAR Rathkeale, they say they can positively impact the future for women in Ireland.