Research charity Breakthrough Cancer Research opened the world’s first shop stocked and staffed by cancer survivors in Dublin on World Cancer Day to raise funds and highlight the urgent need for greater support for cancer research. ‘The Shop that Nearly Wasn’t’ showcases creative contributions from those who have survived or are living with cancer.
The pop-up is located at The Library Project in Temple Bar until next Tuesday.
The shop’s name reflects the fact that these achievements were only made possible due to ground-breaking cancer research. Art, photography, books, crafts, clothing and even protective sports gear, made by cancer survivors of all ages from all over Ireland are on sale. The initiative is supported by many high profile cancer survivors.
They include Riverdance star and artist Michael Flatley, Senator David Norris, author and journalist Emily Hourican (above), RTE Supergarden winner Grainne Walsh, film and TV director Stephen Bradley, children’s book author and illustrator, Peter Donnelly, milliner Sarah McGahon and rugby pundit and former player Tony Ward.
They all donated their creations or lent their talents and time to the initiative.
The project marks the first work from a rebrand and launch campaign developed in tandem with The Brill Building – the new venture from former DDFH&B creative chief Roisin Keown. Working with Dan Henson and Peter Snodden, the campaign sees the pop-up shop open for a week with a permanent online location at shopthatnearlywasnt.ie.
Working with partners E-T-C, Hopkins, and Irish Media Agency the campaign comprises radio, social, PR, and launched with a hero film featuring cancer survivor Kay McKeon shot by Ross O’Callaghan. The shop features a suite of portraits of survivors shot by award-winning commercials photographer Kevin Griffin, himself a cancer survivor.
It follows on from The Brill Building’s Green Friday work in support of small business for Kilkenny Shop. Over the week, The Shop That Nearly Wasn’t will also host events including a gumshield clinic for teams and schools with two-time cancer survivor Cathy Robinson of Gumshields2Go and a talk from Blackchurch print artist Monika Crowley.
