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Armagh friends turn cancer recovery into a year of fundraising for three charities

Two Armagh friends who have both experienced breast cancer are bringing their community together through a series of events raising money for three cancer charities.

By The TEA Editorial Desk · 28 August 2026

Michelle McDonald and Aine Canavan, founders of The Big Ribbon Fundraiser Image: Armagh IOriginal source

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Two lifelong friends from Armagh have turned their own experiences of breast cancer into a growing community fundraising effort supporting three charities.

Michelle McDonald and Aine Canavan created The Big Ribbon Fundraiser after reconnecting during their cancer journeys. With friends and family helping as a team of “Ribbons”, they have organised events ranging from a tractor run and children’s fun day to a table quiz, fitness challenges and a sold-out afternoon tea attended by 220 women.

The money raised is being split equally between Pretty N Pink Breast Cancer Charity, Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI and Cancer Fund for Children’s Daisy Lodge. Further events include a 10-mile road race and family fun run in Clonmore on 29 August, followed by a gala ball in November.

The organisers say local businesses and volunteers have donated food, prizes, time and other support, allowing more of the money raised to go directly to the three charities.