Garda makes an inspiring music video
By Marguerite Kiely
Mary Gardiner, originally from Bishopstown and now living in Kerry, has released a music video inspired by Elton John to raise awareness for breast cancer.
The video is part of the 100K in 30 Days campaign organised by The Marie Keating Foundation, which aims to raise funds for breast cancer services in Ireland. Garda Mary Gardiner and 10 other women who have had breast cancer star in the video.
Mary chose Elton John's song ‘I'm Still Standing’ as the soundtrack to her video, a song she played to her children when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2022.
Mary expressed her joy in bringing happiness to others through the video: “If it brings a smile to people's faces, I'm happy. I have 10 brilliant women in the video with me who either all had breast cancer or are going through treatment at the minute.
“I met some of them through our chemotherapy sessions and kept in touch. When I asked them to take part in the video, they were just thrilled.”
The video also features cameos from prominent figures such as Pat Spillane, Billy Keane and Elaine Kinsella.
Mary's own battle with breast cancer began in January 2022 when she received her diagnosis. She underwent four months of chemotherapy starting the following month and had a mastectomy in June of the same year. Her treatment finished in February of this year.
“I took part in 100K in 30 Days last year while going through treatment and it really kept me going. Two days after I signed up, people had donated €4,500 and by the time I'd finished, I'd raised €40,000. The day after I finished, I went to Cork for my mastectomy, I was exhausted and needed the rest,” she said.
2023 is the 4th year of the event and to date over €4 million has been raised for breast cancer services in Ireland, including the state of the art Clinical Trial Centre in the new Breast Centre at Beaumont Hospital.
Some of the breast cancer services provided by the Marie Keating Foundation that will benefit from this year’s event include their community nursing service, Schools Cancer Awareness Programme, Comfort Fund, BRCA Peer To Peer Support and Positive Living Workshops supporting the Cancer Community at every step.