Today, retailer Marks & Spencer helped the Marie Keating Foundation to officially launch its Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A host of well-known faces were in the M&S Grafton St Rooftop Restaurant for the launch, including leading Irish businesswoman, Caroline Downey and her daughter Storm; Morah Ryan with her mother Noreen Brennan and three daughters Bonnie, Lottie and Babs along with Yvonne Joye with her mother Cora Reidy. The Foundation is encouraging women of all ages to “Look After Your Girls” - talk to your family and friends about breast cancer.

This year is the twelfth successive year that M&S has supported the Marie Keating Foundation and to date over €1.2 million euro has been raised for the charity, which is a leading voice on breast cancer prevention and detection in Ireland.

Throughout the month of October, Marks & Spencer will donate 10% from the sale of a range of food, clothing, lingerie and home products in its stores in the Republic of Ireland. This year, special pink products include a gorgeous Satin Printed Pink Cami & Short Set, luxury Egyptian Cotton Towels, a Friendship Bracelet and delicious pink Cupcakes! In-store collections and fundraising activities will also take place during October, generating valuable donations for the Marie Keating Foundation’s vital work. 

 Speaking at the launch, Linda Keating of the Marie Keating Foundation said: “We are delighted to partner with M&S for the twelfth successive year. October is our most important fundraising month and we want to thank in advance all M&S staff and customers who contribute so generously to the cause. “

Carmel Breheny, Marketing Manager for Marks & Spencer Ireland commented, “We are proud to support the Marie Keating Foundation’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiative and are looking forward to introducing our customers to the brilliant range of pink themed womenswear, lingerie, leisure wear and accessories that are available for this year’s campaign.  This is just one of many initiatives we undertake each year to raise money for such a worthy charity.”

To further support the charity, all Marks & Spencer Cafés countrywide will host a coffee morning tomorrow, Friday 27^th September 2013, where 70c from each coffee purchased will go to the Marie Keating Foundation.