Appeal for local lads to join in the Great Pink Run in the Phoenix Park
By Mary Dennehy
TALLAGHT resident and Breast Cancer Ireland Ambassador Teresa Costello is calling on local lads and sports clubs to be part of the Great Pink Run in the Phoenix Park this October.
Teresa, who has one young son, was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2013, at the age of 36.
Since her diagnosis, Teresa, who received the all-clear in the summer of 2014, set up a Facebook page and started blogging under Breast Friends, which offers advice to women who have received a diagnosis of breast cancer.
She also raises the importance of younger women being breast aware, and as part of her ambassador work with Breast Cancer Ireland, is involved in a programme for transition year students – which encourages young women to check their breasts from a young age.
Teresa’s latest venture sees her promoting Breast Cancer Ireland’s Great Pink Run – and she’s challenging lads living in Tallaght and its surrounding communities to take part.
It would be great if we could get more men taking part,” Teresa told The Echo.
“I get a lot of messages from men who have a girlfriend or a wife who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and they are asking me how they can help.
“There are lots of men out there being really supportive to women with breast cancer and I think this should be acknowledged.
Got great support from my male friends
“When I was going through breast cancer, my cousin, who is male, came to all of chemo sessions with me and I also got great support from my male friends.
“Men are supporting women with breast cancer through the tough days and I think that it would be great if men were part of a nice, positive day like the Great Pink Run too.
“There are also men who get breast cancer, so I’m calling out to lads living in Tallaght and all of the local sports clubs to come on board for this year’s Great Pink Run – let’s do this together.
“Tallaght is great for supporting causes, and I’ll be touching base with local sports clubs over the coming weeks to encourage them to come on board.”
The Great Pink Run with Avonmore Slimline Milk was officially launched this week in the Phoenix Park, with Teresa and fellow breast cancer survivor Orla Byrne joined by a number of sporting and TV faces, including Sonia O’Sullivan, who is a Great Pink Run patron.
More than 8,000 people will take part
It is expected that more than 8,000 people will take part in the eighth year of the event by running, jogging or walking the 10k challenge, or the 5k fun run to support Breast Cancer Ireland’s research and awareness efforts around the country.
Alongside raising funds for cancer research, the event aims to bring people together and promote the importance of good nutrition and fitness in helping to protect against cancer and support overall health and wellbeing.
Teresa has a discount code for any local clubs or groups interested in taking park. Contact Teresa through her Breast Friends Facebook page.
Registrations are now open for the Great Pink Run on October 13 at www.greatpinkrun.ie
