World record attempt for cancer charities
A UNIQUE fundraiser will take place along the Cliff Walk this weekend as the Caroline Foundation attempts to break the world record for the longestever ribbon chain - a feat never before attempted by any Irish charity.
On Sunday the cancer research charity, in partnership with Bray Cancer Support Centre and Greystones Cancer Support, will attempt to create a fivemile ribbon chain running the length of Bray and Greystones seafront and Cliff Walk. Aiming to make The Guinness Book of World Records, the initiative aims to secure 4,000 people who will line the route holding the ribbon chain making it the longest in the world.
The challenge is open to all who want to take part and it will see much-needed funds go towards a research scientist for cancer research to work under Professor John Crown and the Cancer Clinical Research Trust (CCRT). A staggering 39,000 bands of 10 inch ribbon lengths are currently being sewn together which will see individuals or groups of 40 to come together to be part of the chain.
Each ribbon holder is asked to donate a minimum of €10 and the route will be sectorised with designated markers for each group who will each be responsible for holding the ribbon along a certain section of the trail.
Professor John Crown said, ' The Car- oline Foundation committee and I are really excited to see this challenge get underway in Wicklow in May. It's a fantastic initiative in memory of Greystones woman Caroline Dwyer-Hickey - a patient of mine who tragically passed away from cancer last March after a nine year battle with cancer. Having benefited from clinical trials Caroline was a public advocate for cancer research, firmly believing that research will one day find a cure. This fundraising event will go in some way to achieving this goal and we are calling on people to get involved and register for what promises to be a great day out!'
A helicopter will be on hand on Sunday to secure aerial footage of what promises to be a stunning spectacle with thousands of volunteers lining the seafront from Bray to Greystones holding the white ribbon chain with the Caroline Foundation logo. Currently the world record is set just below three miles and The Caroline Foundation aims to break this with five miles. There will be a civil law notary and independent witnesses to adjudicate the record attempt.
The Caroline Foundation is calling on volunteers to take part so if you would be interested in setting up a group or joining a group please contact Helen O'Sullivan-Dwyer at helen@thecarolinefoundation.com or call 087 6755751.