Country music star Nathan Carter proves a ‘runaway’ hit at Breast Cancer Ireland’s Race for a Cure Race Day
This year’s Breast Cancer Ireland ‘Race for a Cure’ Race Day, proudly supported by Porsche Centre Dublin & Joe Duffy Group, was held today at Leopardstown Pavilion, Dublin 18. The high profile and ever popular fundraising event saw almost 600 friends and supporters of the Breast Cancer Ireland community gather together for the annual event to help raise vital funding to support critical research, education and awareness programmes.
The sold out fundraising event opened with a short address by both Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, and event sponsor Gavin Hydes, CEO of Joe Duffy Group on behalf of Porsche Centre Dublin. This was followed later in the day with a thank you address given by Professor Arnie Hill, Chairman of Breast Cancer Ireland and Professor of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital who outlined reasons for hope and the changing and improving landscape of breast cancer treatments and therapies.
Seasoned Master of Ceremonies, Newstalk’s Clare McKenna, a long standing supporter of Breast Cancer Ireland’s work, kept the event running seamlessly throughout the day, with Racing TV presenter and tipster Kevin O’Ryan sharing his valuable betting hints and tips to discerning guests eager to bet selectively!
Earlier in the day, there was much excitement as the winner of an incredible Balloon Pop prize was selected, having won an exquisite diamond from sponsors, Paul Sheeran Jewellers.
After an exquisite 3 course meal with complimentary wine flowing, the Best Dressed winners on the day (both male & female) were announced as judged by Breast Cancer Ireland Ambassadors Bobby Kerr, Lorraine Keane (Founder of the Fashion Relief pre-loved boutique) & Joanne Mallon of Ribbon Rouge Boutique. The effortlessly stylish winners were selected as Loretta Bray & James Hurley – both deserving winners, having nailed sartorial racing looks for the event. James won a bespoke €1000 tailored suit provided by none other than Louis Copeland, whilst Loretta left with a Ribbon Rouge Boutique €1000 voucher.
Renowned Goffs Auctioneer, Nicholas Nugent then took to the floor to kick off the fundraising Auction, complete with his team of experienced spotters working the room. Bids rolled in for an array of money-can’t-buy auction prizes such as a luxury cruise with Princess Cruises, flights & accommodation to Dubai, Porsche driving experiences and luxury jewellery, raising an unbelievable €41,00 in funding for the charity’s ongoing research efforts.
Following a fundraising raffle, with guaranteed prizes for each of the 57 tables, guests also enjoyed entertainment from none other than country music singing sensation Nathan Carter who, somewhat inevitably had guests up on their feet within minutes, and continued with a full hour of rocking country music hits, including of course his number one hit Wagon Wheel, much to the delight of the many country music fans in the room!
Overall, it is estimated that the Race for a Cure event raised a staggering €235,000 for Breast Cancer Ireland, which will now be used to fund ongoing and pioneering research and awareness programmes all across the island of Ireland, whilst also funding cutting edge research into new treatments and therapies for the disease.
Some of the well known faces in attendance included:
– Ms Aisling Hurley, CEO Breast Cancer Ireland
– Mr Nathan Carter (performing after the Lunch)
– Mr Gavin Hydes, CEO of Joe Duffy Group, owners of Porsche Centre Dublin – title sponsor (Wife is Mary)
– Ms Clare McKenna (Event MC)
– Prof Arnie Hill, Chairman Breast Cancer Ireland (keynote speaker) & Prof of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital
– Ms Zeinab Elguzouli, singer and Six O’Clock Show presenter & BCI Ambassador
– Ms Lorraine Keane (Founder, Lorraine Keane Fashion Relief) and her husband Peter
– Mr Bobby Kerr, Newstalk Presenter and his wife Mary Kerr
– Mr Thomas Crosse (aka FM104’s Crossy) & BCI Ambassador
– Mr Jody Sheridan & his wife Emma Sheridan, Virgin Media
– Mr Paul Sheeran, Sheeran’s Jewellers
– Mr Nicholas Nugent, Goffs Auctioneer
– Ms Viv Gaine, Frascati Centre Director
– Tamso Doyle, Horse Racing enthusiast
– Helen Turkington, of Helen Turkington Interiors
– SallyAnne Clarke, Restauranteur