HELP kiss goodbye to breast cancer with Avon's fabulous Breast Cancer Crusade Bag For Life. This gorgeous cotton carrier – ideal for office, beach or shopping - is covered in pink and red lipstick kiss prints and will be the must-have fashion accessory for this summer.

The bag costs just €4.50 of which 10 per cent goes to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade to fund two specialist posts at ARC Cancer Support House in Dublin and Cork. Right on trend in terms of supporting the environment, the bag is also helping raise much-needed funds for a good cause.

ARC is Avon's long-term charity partner and the sale of this fun bag will help fund the invaluable work of two Avon breast cancer nurse counsellors who provide practical advice and emotional support to women and their families on a daily basis.

Some of the first people to enjoy the bag are breast cancer patients attending for radiotherapy at Whitfield Cancer Centre in Waterford, where Avon has donated bags to replace the previous hospital carriers in which women receive their treatment gowns.

Liz Martin, director of operations at the centre, said: "Faced with up to six weeks of travelling to and from the centre for radiotherapy our patients will really appreciate these bright, cheerful bags which promote a positive approach to overcoming cancer... thank you to Avon for an innovative and practical idea."

The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Bag for Life (€4.50) is available from a network of independent Avon sales Representatives all over the country. To find your nearest one or to see a brochure please call 01 870 6540 or visit www.avon.ie

For further information please contact:
Aoife Murtagh/Claire Moran
O'Leary PR
Tel: 01-6789888
Email: aoifemurtagh@olearypr.ie / clairemoran@olearypr.ie

1. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade in Ireland is part of a global campaign that has raised $600 million since 1992 in over 50 countries for education, awareness, research, treatment and aftercare.
2. In Ireland, the Crusade has raised €800,000 (1998 – 2008) in association with long-term charity partner ARC Cancer Support. In addition to funding the two dedicated Avon breast cancer nurse counsellor posts, the Crusade has also supported the work of lobby group Europa Donna Ireland. Six women every day are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland.
3. ARC Cancer Support is a voluntary organisation offering holistic care and support for people with cancer and their families through a range of complementary therapies that can be used alongside conventional medicine.
4. Money is raised primarily through exclusive Crusade products like the bag sold through the Avon brochure together with fundraising events and activities organised by Avon distributors, Representatives and customers. For more information call 01 870 6540 or go to www.avon.ie