A new nationwide awareness and fundraising campaign has been launched with the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) announcing a charity partnership with SPAR and EUROSPAR to help widen access to treatment, improve outcomes and conduct ground-breaking research into breast cancer.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Michael Kerin, Research Director of the NBCRI and a leading expert in his roles with various national cancer organisations, said “One of the challenges with the cancer programme in Ireland is to ensure that people across the regions have equal access to a positive outcome, and there are very significant challenges in providing that in this country. There are undoubted urban versus rural disparities in cancer care and outcomes based on where you live. What we’re desperately trying to do is ensure that we create a fit for purpose research environment, so more people can get access to clinical trials, the most modern therapies, along with the very best clinicians. In order to do that, we need to have a developed hospital infrastructure and community care system. Developing that along with spreading the message in more communities across the country is key to making a positive impact. SPAR and EUROSPAR are ingrained in communities in every county across Ireland, so the support of its network of retailers and customers will make a real difference.”
SPAR and EUROSPAR have made an initial donation of €100,000 to launch the two-year partnership and campaign. Working in partnership with over 470 independent retailers, the SPAR and EUROSPAR brands are owned and operated by BWG Foods. This is the first time that both retail brands have come together in support of one joint charity partnership and will raise much needed funds through in-store collections, contributions from the sale of select SPAR own brand products and other fundraising efforts through its countrywide network of stores and community initiatives. The NBCRI will also be able to avail of the retail network as a powerful platform to raise public awareness across Ireland.
Commenting on the partnership, Colin Donnelly, SPAR Sales Director, said: “We’re delighted to support the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and very proud to partner which such an important organisation. We’re especially proud as this was a decision that was made by our retailers around the country who came together to identify this charity in support of a cause that can positively impact every community in the country.” Peter Dwan, EUROSPAR Sales Director added “The National Breast Cancer Research Institute stood out to our retailers because the charity is focussed on a cause that impacts the lives of so many women in Ireland and we know that our customers and community partners will get behind this collective effort to enhance diagnosis and treatment options and play our part in improving the outcomes for those who develop breast cancer in the future.”
The NBCI was founded 35 years ago and is a national charity that funds a comprehensive research programme at the University of Galway. The research team, in collaboration with universities and hospitals across the globe, focuses on the development and improvement of diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies, to drive real and measurable improvement in clinical outcomes for breast cancer patients.
For more information on The National Breast Cancer Research Institute or to make a donation, please visit
