The Power of Words: Reading at Paint Abingdon Pink 2026
- Fiona Mac
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
"Words have the power to comfort, to remember, to celebrate and, sometimes, to help us find hope when it feels hardest to hold onto."
On Saturday 4th July, I was delighted and privileged to be invited to take part in Paint Abingdon Pink, a wonderful community fundraising event in support of Against Breast Cancer.
Standing in the heart of Abingdon, surrounded by people who had come together with a shared purpose, I was asked if I could read a collection of poems honouring those whose lives had been touched by breast cancer.
It was a thought-provoking day where we had some important discussions with those who had, or had survived, breast cancer. The next day, I received a call from someone who attended the day to say that the readings had featured in the Abingdon Blog.
The local Abingdon Blog highlighted many who were part of the day, including a photograph of me reading and a lovely mention of the poems, in the coverage of the event. It was a reminder that while music and entertainment brought people together, there was also space to pause, reflect and remember why we were all there.
As the Abingdon Blog so beautifully wrote:
"...the day was about much more than fun and entertainment... Fiona, who runs the Compassionate Café, read a series of poems reflecting the experiences of women living with breast cancer, those who had survived, and those who had not. It was a reminder of why everyone had come together: to support a charity dedicated to funding research that will help more people survive in the future."
I couldn't have wished for a kinder reflection of what I hoped to achieve.
Why I chose these poems
As a celebrant, words are at the heart of everything I do. Whether I'm leading a wedding, celebrating a life, or creating a space for remembrance, I believe carefully chosen words can help people feel seen, understood and less alone.
For this event, I wanted the readings to reflect the many different emotions that accompany breast cancer. No single poem could tell every story, so together they formed a journey.
"Unbreakable Hope" acknowledges the devastating moment of diagnosis but also celebrates resilience, the strength of families and friends, and the hope that carries people through treatment.
"Twelve Pink Roses for Dorothy" reminds us of those whose lives have been lost. Every fundraising event is also an act of remembrance, and it felt important to honour the women who are deeply loved and never forgotten.
The short poems "Pink Ribbon" and "Warrior" speak of courage and determination. Behind every pink ribbon is a real person with hopes, fears, loved ones and dreams. They remind us that surviving breast cancer is not simply about treatment; it is about extraordinary resilience.
Finally, I chose "The Taker of the Photos" by Donna Ashworth because it gently shifts our focus towards the memories we create every day.
Photographs often become some of our most treasured possessions. They capture ordinary moments that later become extraordinary simply because they preserve someone we love. At an event dedicated to supporting research and celebrating life, it felt like the perfect way to encourage everyone to treasure today's moments while creating tomorrow's memories.
More than fundraising
Throughout the afternoon, there were smiles, music, laughter and community spirit, but there were also quiet conversations, shared tears and heartfelt embraces.
Events like Paint Abingdon Pink remind us that breast cancer doesn't affect one person alone. It reaches families, friendships, workplaces and communities. Every donation, every conversation and every act of kindness helps make a difference.
Research funded by charities such as Against Breast Cancer continues to give hope that more families will have many more tomorrows together.
A privilege to stand beside this community
It was an honour to lend my voice to the day and to stand alongside so many courageous people.
As someone who spends much of my life helping others tell their stories, I never underestimate the power of simply being present, listening, and giving space to emotions that are often difficult to put into words.
As the founder of the Abingdon Compassionate Café, it was a genuine and enjoyable collaboration with Paint Abingdon Pink. https://www.fionamaccelebrant.co.uk Abingdon Compassionate Café
To everyone who organised Paint Abingdon Pink, volunteered, donated, attended or shared their own story—thank you.
Together, we remembered those we have lost, celebrated those who continue to inspire us, and looked towards a future where breast cancer affects fewer lives.
And thank you to the Abingdon Blog for capturing the spirit of the day so beautifully—and for the unexpected photograph that now serves as a reminder of a truly meaningful afternoon. https://abingdonblog.co.uk Paint Abingdon Pink
If you would like a copy of any of the poems mentioned in this blog, please email me on fiona@fionamaccelebrant.co.uk , and I can send them to you by email.
"These words were dedicated to every person whose life has been touched by breast cancer. May we continue to carry hope for those in treatment, comfort for those who grieve, and determination to support the research that one day will make breast cancer a disease of the past."
More information:
Fiona Mac is an award-winning, local, accredited independent Celebrant living in Abingdon, delivering ceremonies across Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties.
Instagram : fionamac.celebrant
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