Over 100 Marilyn Monroe lookalikes paddled, posed and pouted on Bray Promenade this August Bank Holiday Sunday, 4th August to support women’s cancer care in the Mater Hospital.
The inaugural Marilyn’s Mater Paddle event, held by The Mater Hospital Foundation, saw Ireland’s largest gathering of Marilyn Monroe lookalikes come to the coastal town to take part in the unique event.
Decked out in blonde bombshell wigs, red heart-shaped glasses and retro swimsuits and dresses, guys and gals alike dressed up and joined in the Hollywood-themed fun, all while soaking up the summer atmosphere of the seaside town.
The ‘magnificence’ of Marilyns took to the water to the sounds of ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ and splashed and sashayed, all in support of women from across Ireland who come to the Mater Hospital every year for world-class cancer care.
The funds raised from Marilyn’s Mater Paddle will go to support women’s cancer care in the Mater Public Hospital.
Generous support has helped fund vital projects such as a new mammogram and a state-of-the-art PET/CT scanner.
Funds raised at this this new event will ensure that the Mater Hospital Foundation can continue to put funds to work in the hospital where they are needed most to support women on their cancer journey.
Post-paddle celebrations continued in The Strand Hotel, where stars and starlets enjoyed retro tunes, refreshments and picked up their exclusive goodie bag at the Marilyn Mixer after-party.
Speaking about the inaugural Marilyn’s Mater Paddle, Roisin Duffy, Director of Development with the Mater Hospital Foundation said:
“We would like to say a massive thank you to each and every ‘Marilyn’ who joined us in Bray today for our first-ever Marilyn’s Mater Paddle, which was a huge success. We had a wonderful morning of Hollywood-style fun, all for a really important cause – women’s cancer care.
“The funds raised today will ensure that we can continue to be there for women facing difficult cancer journeys, and invest in the Mater Hospital where it is needed most.”
She added: “This event would not have been possible without the support of our Marilyns and each and every person who sponsored their efforts. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Bray County Council, as well as the RNLI, Water Safety Ireland and the Order of Malta, for their invaluable support. Our gratitude also to kind companies who provided prizes and goodies for the event, including The Strand Hotel, Kash Beauty, Dole Fruit, Musgraves, Sweet Boutique, Butler’s Irish Chocolates and Life Pharmacy Donabate.”
You can support women’s cancer care by donating at www.materfoundation.ie/marilyn.
