Ladies in pink return to raise breast cancer awareness over brunch

Guests cheering as their friends do the catwalk in pink outfits at the Pink Ladies Brunch at E&O Hotel.

WOMEN from all walks of life donned pink to raise awareness of breast cancer and much-needed funds to aid those with the disease.

Returning after a one-year hiatus, the Pink Ladies Brunch at Eastern and Oriental (E&O) Hotel in Penang was also a celebration of life and remembrance of those no longer here.

Event organiser Jennifer Sheppard said the organising committee hoped to raise at least RM125,000 from the brunch as well as from several other ongoing activities throughout October.

The amount will be donated to Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital and Penang Hospice Society which Sheppard described as “critical for the local community”.

“The funds we raise will not only help cancer patients but also help their family members.

“Awareness is equally important because cancer doesn’t discriminate.

“Ask anyone and they probably know of someone who is affected by it,” she said at the event.

In 2021, the not-for-profit Mount Miriam, through its Needy Cancer Patient Fund which relies mainly on public donations, subsidised 439 deserving patients to the tune of RM1.5mil.

The Penang Hospice is a charitable non-governmental organisation (NGO) that provides palliative care for those with advanced, life-limiting diseases, including cancer.

In the past three years, the NGO has cared for 2,389 patients.

Sheppard and fellow organisers Tiina Luckins and Susie Macmillan were also pleased with the overwhelming show of support for the brunch’s 14th edition themed “Slaying the Pink”.

There were 205 guests from over 20 different nationalities, who enjoyed a scrumptious brunch buffet with champagne and colourful entertainment.

Iona Duffy mesmerised them with the sounds of Scottish bagpipes while DJ Syurga Daddy provided music and TV personality Moe Nasrul emceed.

Several rounds of fashion shows ensued, featuring apparel and jewellery collections from V-Creation, Doublewoot and Amee Philips.

In between, guest speaker Jacqueline Bell gave a moving personal account of her journey overcoming cancer and Himani Alagan performed a moving rendition of Lean on Me.

Throughout the morning, there were raffles, a tombola game, spin and win, plus live auctions of special items.

Sheppard said their fundraising would continue with other community initiatives like School Pink Days where students and teachers wear pink and organiser bake sales or other activities.

There will also be Slaying the Pink-themed fitness sessions at Fierce Fitness, Batu Tabata and The Space Penang. Proceeds from these will be added to the fund.

Organisers also welcome further personal and corporate donations. The final sum will be announced and handed over in November.

Those who wish to donate or want to be involved with the effort can write to [e-mail]