Cancer Charity Wins Excellence Award

A Northern Ireland charity has scooped a top award in the national 'Third Sector Excellence Awards'.

The Ulster Cancer Foundation and cosmetic company, Clarins, scored a first at the awards held last week at the prestigious Hurlingham Club, London.

It recognises imaginative and innovative work by charities and the voluntary sector throughout the UK.

UCF and Clarins Northern Ireland were the only local companies to be shortlisted and in the end, picked up the top accolade for the Best Corporate Partnership category for the Beauty for Life programme.

Beauty for Life helps women who have been diagnosed with cancer rediscover their self-esteem.

The initiative allows women to take 'time out' to enjoy some real pampering – facials, manicures and make-up advice on a one-to-one basis.

Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals & Marketing, UCF said: "It is a great honour to win this award and we are thrilled that our partnership with Clarins has been recognised nationally.

"Clarins has played a central role in helping us deliver the Beauty for Life programme which was developed to help deal with negative body image that many cancer patients face as a result of hair loss and treatment," she said, noting that feedback from women who have attended has been universally positive.

"Many have told us how their confidence was boosted and what a treat it was to get advice on their make-up in an environment which was not related to a clinic or hospital."

Lynne Hanna, General Manager from Clarins Northern Ireland, commented: "We are delighted to have such a positive and successful association with the Ulster Cancer Foundation.

"Our partnership with the charity has received widespread support from staff who regularly volunteer to take part in the Beauty for Life initiative and who relish the time spent with patients.

"As a result it has had a marked effect on staff morale and team spirit," she concluded.

(BMcC/KMcA)