Bare boobs set to cause ripples for cancer awareness

Bare boobs set to cause ripples for cancer awareness


Áine Ryan

BREAST is best they say but when it means getting your kit off and skinny dipping on Bertra beach, have you got the naked neck? 
Go on girls, you know it means jumping into the cold Atlantic with goose-bumps appearing in nooks and crannies not usually susceptible to such salty shocks.
Of course, when it is bobbing your boobs and wobbly bits in the cause of raising awareness about breast cancer, there is no need for a cover up. Why not be part of the female flotilla set to catch some waves on June 21, the summer solstice, next to fundraise for the Irish Cancer Society.
After all, even if you do cause a few ripples with your nipples, it is all in the aid of medical science.  
According to bookie Paddy Power, beautiful Bertra beach is among the favourite scenic locations for the flashers event, which is being coordinated by Ms Maura Garvey, of the Wine Street Wellness Centre, Sligo. She is a regular skinny-dipper, a couple of miles down the coast at sheltered Old Head.
Maura Garvey – whose parents hail from Kiltimagh and Claremorris – said that the location of the unusual expose will not be revealed until the night before. This is in a bid to deter Peeping Toms – Johns, Patricks, Bartholomews –  from setting up camp undercover of darkness, she explained.
“Rosses Point in Sligo was the initial location but, after visiting the site, organisers ruled it out as it was too exposed. I don’t think the women will have a problem with people being there and watching but my concern is there would be a whole gang of men and it might leave a bad taste,” she said.
“ The bottom line is this is about raising money for breast cancer,” she added.
Commenting on the event, Ms Louise Killeen, of Rock Rose House, Castlebar, said her organisation fully supported the initiative.
“It is a novel idea. And I hope it is as successful as our bra-chain was up Croagh Patrick. At the end of the day, such initiatives highlight and raise awareness about breast cancer,” said Ms Killeen.
The Action Breast cancer event hopes to attract at least 500 women and to raise up to €100,000.  Two beaches in Sligo – the Yellow Strand and Mullaghmore – are the favourites according to Paddy Power, with Bertra coming in third.
Further information is available on 071 9153828 or 086 4016047.