#NoMakeupSelfie raises over €750,000 for cancer in Ireland

The Irish Cancer Society has now received over €750,000 in donations since the #nomakeupselfie went viral on social media last week.

“We’re stunned by it all and are hugely grateful for every donation,” said Kathleen O’Meara, Senior Manager of Communications at the Irish Cancer Society.

“You can’t actually say where it started, but there have been some reports that it was inspired by the Oscars selfie,” said Ms O’Meara.

“It’s now become associated with breast cancer and somehow gives expression to the vulnerability and courage of the cancer patient.”

Ms O’Meara says the online fundraising trend has given people the opportunity to show solidarity and support for those who have battled cancer in their lives.

As of last Friday the compaign had raised €400,000 but this total almost doubled over the weekend.

“One in ten Irish women will get breast cancer and everyone knows somebody who has gone through the cancer journey,” she said.

The #nomakeupselfie has spread across Ireland and the UK at an astonishing rate over the last five days, with many celebrities getting involved by shedding the usual foundation and mascara and taking a self portrait for charity.

Majella O’Donnell, who had a double mastectomy last year, posted a selfie on her Twitter account this weekend to show her support for the Irish Cancer Society.

She was joined by Síle Seoige amongst many others, who posted photos of their unmade up faces on social media, reminding people to donate by texting Pink to 50300.

Even Ray D’Arcy got involved by plastering his face in makeup for the cause.

Ms O’Meara says the money from the #nomakeupselfie trend will be used for breast cancer support services and research, adding that the donations will make a real difference in some people’s lives.

The Irish Cancer Society is now focusing its energy on the 2014 Daffodil day, which takes place around the country this Friday, 28th March.

Around 4,000 volunteers will take part in the campaign which hopes to raise €3.5 million for cancer research and support.

Following last year’s dip in donations due to bad weather on the day of the event, Kathleen O’Meara is hoping for widespread support on Friday.

“It’s our single biggest fundraiser and it goes to supporting the free services we provide, in particular the night nursing services.”