Record breakers
WINS VOLUNTEERS A PLACE IN THE GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS
THOUSANDS OF recordbreakers helped the Caroline Foundation last weekend by creating the longest ever ribbon chain.
A white ribbon stretching from Bray to Greystones thanks to over 3,000 volunteers helped raise money and awareness for cancer research while setting a new Guinness World Record.
The Foundation was established in memory of Greystones lady Caroline Dwyer-Hickey, who died last year at the age of 35 following a nine-year battle with cancer.
Her family wanted to continue to support vital research, which they believe extended her life by as much as five years.
Dr. Norma O’Donovan is the scientist whose work will be supported by the Caroline Foundation and this particular €100,000 which was raised on Sunday.
The two cancer support centres in Bray and Greystones will also receive funding from the event.
As well as donations and registration fees, participants were asked to take a ‘selfie’ on the day, post it to Facebook and text RESEARCH to 50300 to make a €4 contribution.
Meanwhile, 39,000 10inch bands of ribbon were sewn together and stretched from the bandstand in Bray to the South Beach in Greystones.
‘It was stunning to see the ribbon unfurl,’ said Caroline’s mum Helen, who organised the event and founded the Foundation with her husband Dermod. ‘It was like a giant snail had clambered over the foothills and beaches of Wicklow leaving a trail behind.’
‘Everyone was proud and privileged to be part of the challenge,’ said Cllr. Kathleen Kelleher, also of Greystones Cancer Support. ‘It will be a day to remember for all time. Congratulations to Helen and her wonderful team who ran the event, bringing us all together for three good causes.’