Queen goes pink for the Irish Cancer Society's Action Breast Cancer

Majella O’Donnell supports Queen’s fund-raising initiative

One of Dublin’s leading hair salons is turning pink to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society’s Action Breast Cancer, in a campaign that is being backed by Majella O’Donnell.

Queen on Dublin’s Aungier Street is inviting clients to donate by taking selfies of themselves, pre or post hair appointment and TEXTING PINK to 50300 to make a direct donation of €4 to the Irish Cancer Society’s Action Breast Cancer programme. Queen will match all donations Euro for Euro that are raised during Queen’s Pink Weekend, which will take place over the Bank Holiday Weekend, 31st July – 2nd August 2014.

Queen’s Pink Weekend was today launched by Majella O’Donnell who herself raised much needed funds, along with untold levels of awareness for the Irish Cancer Society, when she had her hair shorn before a live audience on the Late Late Show.

John Maher, Queen founder and salon director was the person in whom Majella placed her trust to shave her head on the Late Late, the two having been friends for many years.

It was Majella’s act of bravery that inspired John to do something positive in support of a cause that was so obviously close to his friend’s heart.

Majella O’Donnell said, “This is a great initiative and another opportunity for people to work together in the fight against cancer. One of the first questions women ask when affected by cancer is ‘will I lose my hair’ and it’s something we can’t shy away from, so it’s rather apt that a hair salon is taking on the mantle and supporting the thousands of women all over Ireland affected by breast cancer. We’d love to see as many hair and head selfies as possible being taken over the Bank Holiday weekend and whether it’s before or after you’ve had the Queen treatment it doesn’t matter. Being part of an important campaign is what really matters.”

John Maher of Queen said, “We all want to look good on the outside but being aware of what’s going on inside your body is significantly more important. I think that we can all do our bit, however small, in raising funds and encouraging one another to be more health aware, looking out for signs, lumps, bumps or anything that can assist with early detection. The team at Queen is looking forward to three days of pink fun, whilst promoting a really important message and we are proud to have the support of Majella, who is such a brilliant ambassador for the campaign.”

The Irish Cancer Society was established over 50 years ago and has confirmed that funds raised by Queen’s Pink Weekend will go to support all those affected by breast cancer in Ireland. The money raised will fund services like the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700, counselling service, financial aid grants, night nursing for those at the end of their cancer journey – to name just a few of the Society’s supports for those affected by breast cancer. The charity was the beneficiary of the recent no make-up selfie phenomenon, which raised a staggering €1m for the Irish Cancer Society.

Figures from the National Cancer Registry show that cancer affects one in three people during their lifetime but the good news is that more people are surviving cancer due to early detection and advances in treatment.

For bookings during Queen’s Pink Weekend Tel 01 478 9633 or drop into the salon, 66/67 Aungier Street, Dublin 2. www.queen.ie. Check out Queen’s Facebook page for updates on prizes that can be won over the three days, goodie bags for clients along with a competition for the chance to win a make-over.

Breast cancer – the facts

• Every year, over 2,600 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and over 600 women die from the disease
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Ireland, after non melanoma skin cancer
• Breast cancer is most common in women over the age of 50, but can be contracted at any age
• One in 10 women will get breast cancer at some stage in their lives
• Men can also get breast cancer, with over 20 men being diagnosed each year
• Finding cancer early saves lives and can mean that the cancer is easier to treat
• If you are concerned for yourself or for another you can contact the Irish Cancer Society’s National Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700.