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AN amazing figure of nearly €8,000 was raised in a week in two events, inspired by an Ardfert lady who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
Mother of two, Andrea Hogan decided to do something positive when she heard her news. Along with friends, they formed the ‘Pink Ladies And Gents Committee’ and organised a wax and shave night in McElligott’s Bar Ardfert on Friday, June 27.
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Andrea Hogan (centre in white top) with members of the Pink Ladies And Gents Committee, family and friends handing over the cheques to Breast Care Nurse, Mary O’Donoghue (standing in blue top next to Andrea) accepting on behalf of the Oncology Unit of Kerry General Hospital and the Breast Care Unit in Cork University Hospital. Photo by Dermot Crean
The aim was to raise about €500 for the Breast Cancer unit in Cork University Hospital, but on the night an amazing €5,000 was contributed thanks to the efforts of the local community.
Many people had their heads and other body parts shaved on the night including Andrea who had her head shaved. She had earlier contributed her hair to the Rapunzel Foundation, which makes wigs to improve the lives of those living with hair loss.
Then, on Friday last, the Pink Ladies And Gents Committee held a bag-packing day in Dunnes Stores, North Circular Road and raised a further €2,500.
The monies will be shared between C.U.H and the Oncology Unit in Kerry General Hospital where Andrea will receive treatment. The two cheques for €3927.50 were handed over at McElligott’s Bar on Monday evening to Mary O’Donoghue, a Breast Care nurse in Kerry General Hospital who also works one day a week at the Breast Care Unit at Cork University Hospital.
“It was a phenomenal amount of money to raise,” said Mary. “I can’t believe it. There’s obviously great community spirit here and Andrea has great support,” she said.
Andrea was overwhelmed and thrilled with the success of the events.
“I feel great about it and I’m delighted we raised so much money. Everyone came together, it shows I have great friends and my family has been so supportive. I just want to start my treatment now,” she said.
The committee wish to thank all who made the events a success including the two bucket men John Sheehan and Donal Flaherty for the Trojan work they did on the night of the shave (they raised €498 alone as Andrea was having her lovely locks shaved off); local businesses were generous with their spot prizes; the ticket sellers; John, Mairead and Maurice of McElligotts bar who food and music; the children of An Fearann Estate; the staff and management of Dunnes Stores in North Circular Road and local media.
“Echoing the words of an emotional Saoirse (Andrea’s daughter) on Friday night ‘we are so proud of you Mom in having the courage to cut and shave your hair, which was like another limb to you. This courage we know will take you through and out the other side of your cancer journey. From the crowds here tonight you can see how much you are loved but never more than by Brian and me who are proud to call you our mom’,” read the statement from the Committee.
