Held in aid of Arklow Cancer Support and Breast Cancer Ireland, the uplifting event saw the shopping centre transformed into a colourful setting with an enchanting, positive atmosphere for what was a unique and emotional event.
Following a prosecco and nibbles reception, attendees took in an insightful panel discussion featuring a range of speakers, including celebrated journalist and author Valerie Cox, Sarah Nugent from Peter Mark, life coach Jane Evans, fashion blogger Julie Anne Murphy, counsellor Deirdre Stanley as well as Mary O’Brien and Melinda Lambert from Arklow Cancer Support.
Taking centre stage, the fashion show saw 11 local breast cancer survivors model autumn/winter styles provided by Bridgewater stores, with huge crowds cheering them on and hailing them as true inspirations.
The convivial event culminated with more bubbly and entertainment, with music provided by the talented Arklow group, Dynamics Vocal Ensemble.
Proud to have played a part in the fundraiser, Arklow resident Eimear Coffey said it was an honour to join the other models in celebrating their journey and helping raise awareness for cancer support services.
Having availed of Arklow Cancer Support’s services after her cancer diagnosis, the former teacher was inspired by the charity to plough a new path in life as a life coach, helping other cancer patients to adapt after their life-changing experiences.
“It was a brilliant event, and I was so honoured to have the opportunity to give back to Arklow Cancer Support,” Eimear began.
“Arklow Cancer support gave me so much when I was going through treatment and it was great to be able to help out with the fashion show.
“I was diagnosed back in October 2020, and a few months into my treatment, I reached out to Arklow Cancer Support, just for a bit of support.
“I have an amazing family, but it is important to reach out for therapy and professional support during such a tough time. Mary (O’Brien) was able to organise that for me, and it was amazing having that connection and being able to talk to other people who had been through it.
“I do other little bits with Arklow Cancer Support and I like to reach out and help other women going through it via my Instagram page, my coaching business( Eimearcoffeycoaching.com) and in person by giving them tips and tricks, especially on getting out and back into life afterwards.
“My cancer journey has led me to change my career, and I recently became a life coach,” she continued.
“Life is never the same as it is a traumatic experience, and it is hard getting back to life after your cancer journey. I designed a programme around supporting women, whether it’s cancer they’ve been through or anything else, to help them figure out their next steps in life.
“So, the support I received from Arklow Cancer Support has not only given me a new lease on my own life, but given me a new purpose to help others navigate their journeys.”
Joining Eimear on the catwalk, Arklow resident Breda Kelly praised the “magical” atmosphere at the Bridgewater and her fellow models, whose personal journeys and courage she was in awe of.
Now an Arklow Cancer Support Committee member, Breda’s cancer journey started before the foundation of the charity (2009), which she said has made her appreciate the services it provides even more.
“Hats off to the Bridgewater for a wonderful event, which allowed me to meet these truly amazing and inspirational people who I had a brilliant time with,” Breda said.
“To be in that room, with the positive vibes and lovely atmosphere. I’ve never experienced it before and it was a real honour to be there.
“Arklow Cancer Support was not there when I started my cancer journey in 2005, which led to me having a lumpectomy in 2006 and, following my second diagnosis in 2007, a mastectomy and chemotherapy, which I finished in 2008.
“I remember seeing an advert in the paper for Arklow Cancer Support in 2009, so I went along to the meeting and we were asked to write down what we wanted from the group.
“I was nervous at first, but from the minute I walked in, it turned my life around and it has been the best thing that ever happened to me.
“Having the support of other people, I came out of the meetings feeling like a new woman with my batteries recharged, there is just so much fun, laughter and camaraderie there, and the chats are seldom about cancer – it’s a real social experience.
“Mary O’Brien is such an amazing woman, and, apart from all the other therapy, counselling and transport support for the whole family, if there is any information out there that you need, she will find it for you.
“When I think of Mary, I always go back to one of her excellent speeches, where she said ‘Remember, you are not alone’ – that has always stuck with me.”
Reflecting on her cancer journey, Breda said that going through cancer and attending her treatments while trying to raise two young children was hugely challenging for both herself and her husband Tom, adding that Arklow Cancer Support’s services would have been of huge benefit to them both.
“At times, I felt really alone during my cancer journey and spent my days in a little bubble while I was undergoing treatment. It was very stressful having to drive myself for treatment every day and worrying about parking. The volunteer to drive service at Arklow Cancer Support with the team of dedicated drivers is just amazing and removes a lot of the stress for clients.”
“If Arklow Cancer Support had been there for me, taking the burden of the journey to and from treatments away from me, it would have been massive.
“Arklow Cancer Support also has counselling for children now, which my children, who were young at the time, could have benefitted from.
“Honestly, I can’t speak highly enough of Mary and the whole Arklow Cancer Support team. It’s all very confidential, and they cater to people on different stages of the journey,”
Praising all those who made the event possible, founder of Arklow Cancer Support, Mary O’Brien said that the emotional evening exceeded their wildest expectations, with it doing wonders to spread awareness of their services.
“I found the night of the fashion show very emotional, because of the models and what they have been through. They were just such an inspiration and looked so fabulous,” Mary commented.
“The event was fantastic from start to finish, and the Bridgewater had the place looking amazing for it. Stephanie (Staines) and Ailish (Gannon) were super.
“We got some great feedback from the event and it will go a long way to spreading awareness of our services.
“One of the models told me something really nice. She was there with friends of hers, and they didn’t ever ask her why she came into Arklow Cancer Support, whether it was counselling, therapy or transport.
“However, it was the social aspect of our service and chatting around a table that she was coming in for, and she said it has been absolutely amazing.
“We also had a speaker here on Friday morning talking about your brain ageing and wellbeing, and she asked the people in attendance what good things they do for themselves during the day, and one person said: ‘Come in here any day and you fell good’.
“These are the kind of things you love to hear.”
“From everyone at Arklow Cancer Support, a huge thank you to the Bridgewater, the businesses, the guests, our fabulous models and everyone who supported it in any way possible.”
Echoing Mary’s thanks, a spokesperson for the Bridgewater Shopping Centre said: “The biggest thank you to everyone who supported the fashion show, including the speakers: Designer Desires on a Penny’s budget, Valerie Cox, NetworkMe, and all the Bridgewater stores and restaurants who donated towards the event,
“Thanks to the Arklow Bay Hotel and Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge for donating raffle prize, the amazing team at Peter Mark Hair for styling the models, make-up by @lisa_redmondmakeup, and for the beautiful performance by Dynamics Vocal Ensemble.
“Above all, a huge thank you to all the fantastic models!”
To donate to Arklow Cancer Support, visit arklowcancersupport.ie/donate