New wig-fitting service for cancer patients in Dundalk

The fitting salon at Jocelyn Pharmacy

Jocelyn Pharmacy have launched a new service for cancer patients in Dundalk.

The Jocelyn Street pharmacy have been providing a fitting service for ladies with breast cancer for the past three years through their Apres Lingerie service.

Now though they have launched Wigworks, a wig-fitting service for people undergoing chemotherapy and for alopecia sufferers.

According to Joanna Hand: “We aim to provide a high quality, private, discreet service for patients at what can be a very difficult time. Prior to this, people from Dundalk had to travel to Drogheda, Newry or Dublin for both postmastectomy and wig fittings, so it’s a much needed local service.”

For further details call 042 9328367.

Brave Sara to host Dundalk event for Today FM’s Shave or Dye in aid of cancer

Sara Dooley will shave her hair on February 21st

Today FM’s Shave or Dye is back and local woman Sara Dooley is hoping to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society when she hosts an event in McGeough’s Bar in Roden Place on Saturday February 21^st.

Sara, originally from Chapel Street but now living in Dromiskin, will be shaving all 20 inches of her voluminous dark hair off on the night out of solidarity to her sister, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last November.

The shave will get underway at 9pm, with admission €10 in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

Commenting on the night, Sara said: “If someone asked me a year ago to cut my hair to my shoulders never mind shave my head it would have been a straight up no but now I want to shave my hair off, all 20 inches of it.

“The reason for my change of mind is that recently someone near and very dear to me has been diagnosed with cancer.  I could write pages on how cancer affects people, the patient and the people around them, but to sum it up it’s shit!  It’s completely shit!

“I want to do something to help, and so I have arrived at this.  I am going to shave my head to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society.  I will also be donating my pony tail to www.littleprincesses.org.uk so please sponsor me and if you can, come along on the night.

You can donate to Sara’s collection by logging on to www.justgiving.com/Sara-Dooley.

Charity cake sale in Dundalk tomorrow

Kevin Matthews Pharmacy in Park Street are hosting a charity cake sale this Friday in aid of breast cancer research.

The Think Pink Cake Sale takes place in store from 10am to 6pm with all proceeds going to the Irish Cancer Society.

All support for the event is greatly welcomed.

Mark to shave his beard after 10 years in aid of cancer research

Local man Mark Duffy is set to shave his beard off for the first time in 10 years in aid of cancer research on Friday November 1^st.

Mark, from Belfry Gardens, first grew his beard in 2003 and has been letting it grow untrimmed since the start of August ahead of the big shave in a few weeks’ time.

Not only has Mark pledged to shave his beard, but he has also promised to remain clean shaven for the entire month of November.

Commenting on his fundraising site, Mark said: “I originally wanted to do it for prostate cancer, but as my mam was diagnosed with breast cancer this year, I wanted to do something for it also. So I have chosen to support NUI Galway, as their research will not only benefit breast cancer but also prostate cancer. It would mean alot if you could support this and help in cancer research.”

To date Mark has raised €450 of his target but you can donate or read more about his journey at 10yearshave.me

Breathnach’s Centra bag set to raise much needed funds for Breast Cancer

Cian Breathnach with the bag he designed for Centra and judge Helen Steele

Centra have launched a new limited edition bag for life, which will be sold throughout its 460 stores nationwide next month to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The bag, which retails at €3, was designed by Knockbridge teenager Cian Breathnach and all proceeds raised from it will go towards the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer campaign.

Centra challenged students to come up with a design for the bag, with judging being carried out by a panel led by leading Irish fashion designer and artist Helen Steele.

Cian, who is the son of Louth County Council chairman Cllr Declan Breathnach, emerged the winner, with his design now printed on 40,000 bags.

The 19-year-old’s design is a new take on the breast cancer ribbon using typographic study words associated with breast cancer.

According to Centra, Cian has a strong passion for graphic design and was hugely motivated to enter the competition as his family has been personally affected by Breast Cancer, with his aunt suffering from the illness.

Drawing on his own experience and research, Cian was able to create a unique design by making this language visible in the shape of the iconic breast cancer ribbon.

Speaking about the bag, Cian said: “It’s a real achievement to be associated with such an iconic Irish brand and to see my design brought to life on a bag that people across the country will be picking up in their local shop. My aunt suffered from breast cancer so to be able to give something back and make a difference is a real honour.”