Breast cancer survivor Orla Maguire will appear at a special event this month as McElhinneys' Breast Cancer Awareness Ambassador.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and McElhinneys are spending this important time of year raising awareness and much needed funds for Cancer Care West.

The Ballybofey Department Store has introduced Dungloe woman Orla Maguire as their Breast Cancer Awareness Ambassador for 2018.

Orla, aged 31, was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.

Soon after her diagnosis, the ever-positive young woman set up a blog called My Right Tata to share her important message of breast cancer awareness. The Facebook page reminds all young women to ‘check their tatas’.

Orla regularly posted eye-opening personal updates on her illness, chemotherapy, hair loss, mastectomy and post-surgery bra search.

Orla got the all clear in July 2017 and rushed to tell her Facebook followers the magic words: cancer free.

Now, Orla has teamed up with McElhinneys for their annual awareness and fundraising efforts for breast cancer in October.

Orla told her followers how it was a huge honour for her to be this year’s Ambassador, saying: “I’m hoping with this opportunity to be able to raise a little more awareness about breast cancer in woman and more so in young woman like myself!”

She will be helping the store raise funds for Cancer Care West at a special ‘Think Pink Afternoon Tea’ on Wednesday October 24th in the McElhinneys Lingerie Department.

All women are welcome to meet Orla at this event, where you’ll also find a fabulous selection of homemade baked goods, light refreshments, makeup demonstrations, survivor stories and more.

Plus, McElhinneys have organised a luxury hamper giveaway for one lucky winner. All proceeds from the afternoon are in aid of Cancer Care West.

You can also make a donation to Cancer Care West at any till point in the store during the whole month of October to help make a difference to the lives of local people who have been affected by cancer.

A McElhinneys spokesperson said: “People in our community are affected by cancer every day, directly or indirectly through a loved one. At Cancer Care West their vision is that no one should have to go through a cancer experience alone, and everything they do has that vision in mind. It is for that very reason that McElhinneys are supporting Cancer Care West during the month of October and encouraging everyone to Think Pink and be Breast Aware.”

Orla looked back on her breast cancer journey in two specially-recorded videos for McElhinneys Think Pink campaign. Watch the videos below: