Charity Spotlight: Breakthrough Cancer Research
Working hard to make sure families, friends and communities across Ireland have access to the best treatments for cancer
We'd like to know about your charity. Tell us who you are and what inspired the creation of your charity.
Breakthrough Cancer Research was launched in 2012, but our history goes back to the mid 90’s when our founder Professor Gerry O’Sullivan, spurred on by the unmet needs of his patients, set up a small research group in the Mercy Hospital, Cork. From these humble beginnings began a vision of patient focused research, tackling poorer prognosis cancers.
Today, Breakthrough Cancer Research is one of the largest funders of cancer research in Ireland supporting over 200 researchers in 13 institutions across the island. We invest in research to respond to the unmet needs of people with cancer and are particularly focused on cancers that are hard to treat or have a poor prognosis - Brain, Oesophageal, Pancreatic, Stomach, Ovarian, Liver and Lung cancer. These seven cancers are responsible for almost 50% of cancer deaths in Ireland.
Our mission at Breakthrough Cancer Research is to Make More Survivors of cancer through research with a vision of 100% Survival for 100% of Cancers. We facilitate excellence in research by bringing scientists and clinicians together to collaborate with the aim of discovering and developing new, better, kinder, smarter treatments and diagnostics for people affected by cancer.
People believe that the worst day they or a loved one will have is hearing a cancer diagnosis. However, this is not the worst day. The worst day is when the doctor tells them there is no hope. They have tried everything. There is nothing more they can do. The cure for their cancer does not exist. We are working hard to make sure our family, friends and communities across Ireland have access to the best treatments for cancer and never have to hear the words: “there is no hope.”
What impact does your work have on the community?
The work that Breakthrough Cancer Research does has a lasting and meaningful impact on communities across Ireland, both now and for generations to come. Our work helps ensure that fewer people are faced with the devastating reality of having no treatment options left, and that progress continues for people affected by cancer today and tomorrow. Testament to the impact that cancer research is having, is that we have over 220,000 cancer survivors in Ireland today.
Our impact is felt not only by people affected by cancer, but by their families, carers and wider communities. Research supported by Breakthrough Cancer Research contributes to improved outcomes, enhanced quality of life and increased survival for people living with cancer.
We also empower communities to play an active role in driving progress. Through fundraising, education and awareness initiatives, individuals, schools, workplaces and local groups become partners in advancing cancer research and shaping a future that is Making More Survivors.
Ultimately, our impact lies in saving lives, advancing innovation and ensuring that hope remains at the centre of cancer research in Ireland.
Would you like to share a success story that really represents what you do?
For the past four years, we have been inspired by a committed group of fundraisers from Dublin who take on the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon in memory of their friends Grace and Ollie, who both sadly passed away from melanoma. What began as a deeply personal act of remembrance has grown into a powerful movement for change. Calling themselves ‘Run for Research’, they set out to do exactly what the name promises, turning grief into hope by supporting cancer research.
One member of the group shared her story following the 2024 marathon:
“In 2024, I took part in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon in memory of my partner and best friend, who I lost to Melanoma. Cancer Research is vital - it gives hope, drives innovation and brings us closer to better treatments and ultimately, cures. Supporting Breakthrough Cancer Research means funding life-saving advancements that can change outcomes for others facing this disease. This is my way of honouring my loved one’s memory and making a difference for those still fighting.”
She also reflected on the collective impact of the group’s efforts:
“Whether you walk, jog or run, every step you take is part of something bigger - supporting ground breaking research that saves lives. Our group, Run for Research, has raised over €20,000 since we started a couple of years ago, and I am so grateful to be part of something that can make a real difference.”
The connection between their fundraising and real-world impact was brought to life when the group visited our labs at one of our Public Cancer Research Showcases, seeing first-hand how their fundraising efforts at the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon efforts directly support vital research. Witnessing the work their fundraising enables has only strengthened their commitment and reinforced the importance of community-driven support.
Their journey perfectly represents what we do: connecting people with purpose, transforming community action into real scientific progress, and ensuring that loved ones lost to cancer are honoured through research that saves lives.
How has being part of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon supported your charity's mission?
Being part of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has played a vital role in supporting our mission at Breakthrough Cancer Research by turning community participation into real, measurable impact for cancer research.
The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon provides a powerful platform for people to come together in support of research that saves lives. Groups like ‘Run for Research’ show how personal stories can inspire collective action - transforming remembrance and determination into meaningful fundraising that directly funds innovative research programmes across the country. Funds raised through the event help us invest in cutting-edge projects, accelerate discoveries, and bring new treatments closer to the people who need them most.
Beyond fundraising, the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon strengthens awareness and connection. Participants don’t just raise money - they become advocates for cancer research. By engaging with us, learning first-hand how the progress their efforts support, participants gain a deeper understanding of how every step they take contributes to hope, innovation, and better outcomes for people affected by cancer.
We are incredibly grateful for events like this that allow us to reach into communities with a common goal and shared mindset, to raise as much awareness as possible and help people affected by cancer through research, hope, and progress. While also empowering communities to take action, honour loved ones and drive forward life-saving research that makes more survivors.
Contact Info:
Telephone: 021 422 6655 | Email: edel@breakcancer.ie | Website: Home | Breakthrough Cancer Research