More than €150,000 was raised for the Galway based National Breast Cancer Research Institute at a Galway Races fundraiser.
The National Breast Cancer Research Institute is an Irish charity that raises funds in support of the breast cancer research team lead by Professor Michael Kerin based at NUIG’s Lambe Institute.
The NBCRI and Galway Races together organised the Race in Pink event which took place at Galway Racecourse in Ballybrit on October 27.
Together with a ‘Win a BMW’ raffle earlier that day, a total of €150,997 was raised to support the work of the NBCRI.
Michael Moloney, Manager of Galway Racecourse said that a “phenomenal” level of support was received on the day.
“The day was hugely supported by businesses and hundreds of guests that supported the hospitality lunch on the day. People came from all over Ireland came to support it.”
“We had a great day that raised a large sum of money for such a worthy organisation. Well done to all involved, a great way to end the racing year for us too here at Galway Racecourse”.
he BMW car raffle was a huge success this year, with tickets in huge demand at just €20.
Philip Duffy, Director of The National Breast Cancer Research Institute said “when we came up with the idea of raffling off a BMW we were a little apprehensive as it was our first big raffle to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research.”
“However, it was a huge hit. We can’t thank everybody enough for their enormous generosity and support,” Philip added.
Director of Research Professor Michael Kerin said “I am very grateful for all the support we received – those who sponsored races, took tables, our wonderful Board and the ‘Race in Pink’ Committee.
“Breast cancer is a very common disease and research has led to better outcomes, both in survival and improved quality of life,” he added.
“We still have a long way to go to fight this disease and our research programme focuses on biomarkers which can lead to more focused and personalised diagnosis and treatment, genes which could be used to identify risk and better imaging and diagnostic techniques.”
image credit: Julia Monard/Galway Races
