Cork pupils host colourful pink day breast cancer fundraiser

The pupils at St Joseph’s National School in Mardyke in Cork city have been praised for turning pink for a day to raise crucial funding for breast cancer services.

Wearing colourful hats, jerseys and wigs to help Cork University Hospital Charity, the pupils raised a total of approximately €1,600 during their annual ‘Pink Day’ fundraiser, now into its fourth year.

“Each year we are blown away by the generosity of the school community and the effort made by the pupils to wear as much pink as possible,” said teacher and Pink Day co-ordinator, Leanne Thompson.

“This is no mean feat considering we are an all-boys school in the city centre. Bringing awareness to, and fundraising for, breast cancer services is a cause that is very close to our hearts in St Joseph’s NS.

“The figure of just under €1,600 raised on the fundraising day in November has surpassed amounts raised over the past three years and it is fantastic that this money is going to local breast cancer services at CUH.”

Touching

Claire Concannon of CUH Charity praised the efforts by the students and said it underlines the depth of community support for the hospital’s work.

“The really touching part for me is this is an all-boys school raising funds for breast cancer services and they all deserve huge credit,” Ms Concannon said.

CUH is the designated cancer centre for the Munster region and is one of the largest in Ireland.

Professor Mark Corrigan, Clinical Lead for the Transforming Theatre Programme with the South/Southwest Hospital Group said: “The messages and photos you sent us filled our hearts with joy as we witnessed the vibrant pink celebrations and the enthusiasm that radiated through your school.

“Hope is one of the most powerful forces in the world and the money you raised helps bring this gift to the many people in our community who rely on our services. Your passion, commitment, and generosity has equally given all of the team here a very special hope for the future.

“Their (pupils) efforts demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to community and compassion, which gives us confidence that our future is in safe hands.”

Prof Corrigan also “prescribed” a special request to the boys’ teachers to give them a homework-free day.