Women’s Collective Ireland–Donegal, in collaboration with the Bluestack Centre in Drimarone, recently hosted A Cup of Care, a special community coffee morning to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Bringing together women for a morning of connection, education, support and conversation, the event highlighted the importance of breast health awareness, access to local support services and taking time to nurture personal wellbeing.
The morning featured a series of informative and inspiring contributions from local and national speakers, each offering valuable insights into different aspects of breast health and wellbeing.
Rachel Fitzgerald-Feeley from Breast Cancer Ireland delivered an engaging breast health education and awareness talk, sharing important information about breast awareness, self-checking and the importance of early detection.
Rachel also spoke openly about her own experience with cancer, bringing a personal and powerful perspective to the discussion.
Danielle Bonner, Coordinator of Women’s Collective Ireland–Donegal, with Rachel Fitzgerald-Feeley from Breast Cancer Ireland at the A Cup of Care event.
Martina and Fiona, specialist post-surgery fitters from McElhinneys Lingerie Department, highlighted the local service available to women in Donegal following breast cancer surgery.
Providing information on the range of post-surgery bras and prostheses available, helping to raise awareness of the practical support’s women can access during their recovery.
Fiona and Martina from McElhinneys Lingerie Department, who highlighted post-surgery support services available to women in Donegal.
To conclude the morning, Mary Kara, holistic therapist from Angel’s Cove, guided participants through an exploration of mindfulness, encouraging women to reflect on the importance of positive thinking, self-care and the role of mindset in supporting overall wellbeing.
Mary Kara from Angel’s Cove
The event also raised €588.19 for Breast Cancer Ireland, reflecting the generosity and community spirit of those who attended and supported the morning.
Danielle Bonner, Project Coordinator at Women’s Collective Ireland–Donegal, said: “The morning was an opportunity to come together, for women to take a little time for themselves, connect with others and show community support for a cause that touches so many lives. We wanted to create a welcoming space where women could learn, share experiences and feel supported, while also highlighting the importance of breast health awareness in our local community.”
The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the morning as important, informative and uplifting.
Participants praised the quality of the presentations, the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with other women while learning about a topic that affects so many families.
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Reflecting on her contribution, Rachel Fitzgerald-Feeley from Breast Cancer Ireland said: “Coming from a strong immediate family history of breast cancer, my role gives me a great sense of purpose. Encouraging women to be proactive about their breast health, empowering them to be breast aware every month, means that if this disease is going to happen, there is hope that it is caught as early as possible.
“Delivering education to people in the 50–90 age bracket always reveals that there are some women who didn’t realise they could be diagnosed past a certain age. Some may never have examined themselves in their lifetime, while others are completely unaware of how to check correctly or what to look for.
“I was very pleased to be able to address all these areas with the audience at the Bluestack Centre in Donegal, and I will continue to highlight the risks for this cohort going forward. A huge thanks to all involved in the organising and for the generous donation to Breast Cancer Ireland.”
The value of the morning was echoed in the heartfelt feedback shared by those who attended:
“The morning was so important, so informative and presented so well, a big thank you to the lovely staff, the fab tea, scones, cakes and to you for arranging.”
“I found it very informative, presented by a knowledgeable and inspirational speaker, in a hospitable venue where everyone felt valued and welcome. Thank you for having it.”
“A thoroughly enjoyable morning, socialising with like-minded individuals and learning about a very important topic.”
“This was a wonderful event, drawing lots of women together to learn and share about this important topic of breast care, monitoring, assessment and treatment.”
Women’s Collective Ireland–Donegal extends its heartfelt thanks to Rachel for her informative and inspiring presentation; Martina and Fiona for highlighting an important local service; and Mary Kara for closing the morning with a valuable reminder of the importance of mindfulness and self-care. Their time, expertise and generosity helped make the event both meaningful and memorable. A special thank you goes to RoseMary Ward and all the staff at the Bluestack Centre for ensuring the morning ran smoothly and for providing such a warm and welcoming community space.
Sincere thanks are also extended to the local businesses and community members who generously donated prizes for the event’s free raffle.
Donations were kindly received from McElhinneys Lingerie Department, Mary Kara of Angel’s Cove, The Blueberry Tearoom, Barnesmore Wellness, Bluestack Centre Hostel and Nails by Viktoria Nails in Frosses.
Their generosity and support are greatly appreciated.
Above all, Women’s Collective Ireland–Donegal wishes to thank the women who attended and helped create such a positive atmosphere of connection, learning and mutual support.
Their participation was a powerful reminder of the importance of raising awareness, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for women to come together around issues that affect their health and wellbeing.