The Petermarkathon, an annual fundraising event in Peter Mark salons nationwide, will this year raise vital funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.

Award-winning winning Irish hairdressing chain Peter Mark has announced that its annual fundraiser the Petermarkathon, which takes place in its salons nationwide from 24^th to 31^st of October 2022, will be dedicated to raising funds for the Irish Heart Foundation as part of its Her Heart Matters campaign.

Now in its 11^th year, the Petermarkathon has raised more than €700,000 for Irish charities to date.

The Irish Heart Foundation is the national charity for the prevention of heart disease and stroke in Ireland. More than 4,000 women in Ireland die from heart disease and stroke each year. In fact, cardiovascular disease kills six times as many women in Ireland as breast cancer. From about the age of 40, a woman’s risk of heart disease and stroke increases as she moves into menopause. The ‘Her Heart Matters’ campaign aims to encourage women in their 40s, 50s and beyond to review their lifestyles and make vital, sustainable changes to improve their heart health.

To raise as much money as possible, each Peter Mark salon has been tasked with creating its own unique way to fundraise from pyjama parties and fancy dress to raffles, games, and many other fun-filled events which customers can enjoy at their local salon.

Commenting on the launch, Peter O’Rourke, CEO, Peter Mark said, “This is the 11th year of the Petermarkathon which is a highlight on the Peter Mark calendar and to date, we are delighted to say that we have raised over €700,000 for Irish charities across the Island of Ireland. I am so proud of our team who put their heart and soul into this initiative every year. This year we want to go bigger and better than ever and we look forward to raising as much money as possible to support the important work of the Irish Heart Foundation.”

Dr Angie Brown, Consultant Cardiologist, and Medical Director, Irish Heart Foundation said, “All of us in the Irish Heart Foundation are thrilled to have been chosen as Peter Mark’s charity partner for the 2022 Petermarkathon. This partnership will help raise awareness of heart disease and stroke among women, as well as raise vital funds so that we can continue to fight for women’s hearts and provide free expert prevention and support programmes to women nationwide.”

To find the location of your nearest Peter Mark salon, see www.petermark.ie