Bord Bia Bloom Garden Puts Spotlight on Early Cancer Detection

Bord Bia Bloom Garden Puts Spotlight on Early Cancer Detection

Marie Keating Foundation’s garden at Bord Bia Bloom highlights prevention, screening, and survivorship through the story of a young mum diagnosed with bowel cancer

The Marie Keating Foundation unveiled its 2026 show garden at Bord Bia Bloom in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, alongside mum-of-three Helen Dunne, who was diagnosed with Stage 2 bowel cancer at just 36 years old and later helped campaign for the bowel screening age to be reduced in Ireland.  

Using one of Ireland’s largest public events to spotlight cancer prevention, early detection and survivorship, Empowering at Every Step is an immersive garden created by acclaimed designer Robert Moore and supported by AstraZeneca and Gilead Sciences Ireland. Through a series of uplifting spaces, the garden encourages visitors to prioritise their health while reinforcing how prevention and early detection can save lives. 

Speaking at the launch, CEO of the Marie Keating Foundation, Liz Yeates, said:

“We are thrilled to be back at Bord Bia Bloom, it’s such a wonderful event and an important opportunity to encourage people to pause and reflect on their own health. This garden is about empowering people with practical information and encouraging them to take action when it comes to their health. Whether that’s attending a screening appointment, recognising symptoms early or making small lifestyle changes, every step matters.  Alongside the garden, our Mobile Information Unit and nurse-led support team will also be onsite throughout the festival supporting visitors with trusted cancer information and advice. We’re delighted to be working with garden designer Robert Moore, whose thoughtful design reflects the experiences and journeys of people affected by cancer across Ireland. We want people leaving this garden feeling informed, supported and encouraged to prioritise their health.”

The garden highlights the five most common cancers in Ireland – breast, prostate, bowel, lung, and skin cancer, while guiding visitors through four key themes: prevention, screening and early detection, supporting people through and beyond cancer, and advocacy for fairer cancer outcomes across Ireland. 

Helen, a primary school teacher originally from Cavan and now living in Dublin, was diagnosed with bowel cancer while her youngest daughter was just seven months old. Following six months of chemotherapy and surgery, she was given the all-clear in 2024. Helen has been an avid campaigner alongside the Marie Keating Foundation calling for the bowel screening age to be reduced,with the Minister for Health approving recommendations earlier this year to extend the programme to those aged 50–54. 

Helen attended the launch this morning alongside her three young daughters, with the family exploring the garden’s colourful spaces, playful props and fluffy bunnies — bringing the garden’s themes of hope, survivorship and early detection to life. 

 

Speaking at Bord Bia Bloom, Helen said:

“When I first noticed symptoms, I genuinely thought it was something minor. Thankfully my GP encouraged me to get checked further, and that decision changed everything. Getting checked early gave me more time with my children and that’s why I want other people to trust their instincts and seek help if something doesn’t feel right.”

As visitors journey through the garden, they are encouraged to reflect on the everyday choices that can help reduce cancer risk, including physical activity, healthy eating and sun protection. Inspired by the Foundation’s Your Health, Your Choice programme, the space also features subtle details, including children’s shoes, trainers and flip flops, symbolising the many different paths and steps people take throughout a cancer journey and reinforcing the garden’s central ’Empowering At Every Step’ theme. 

Visitors then move through a screening and early detection section focused on Ireland’s national screening programmes — CervicalCheck, BreastCheck and BowelScreen — alongside emerging initiatives supporting earlier detection of lung and prostate cancer. 

Also attending the launch was Seamus Cotter, a father-of-three from Clare who was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in 2016 and initially given around 18 months to live. Following advances in treatment and participation in a clinical trial, Seamus is now marking 10 years since his diagnosis and through his role as Co-Founder and Chairperson of the patient-led advocacy group the Irish Lung Cancer Community, continues to advocate for greater awareness and support for lung cancer patients. 

Alex Wilkes, Country President, AstraZeneca Ireland (Commercial Operations)  from AstraZeneca said: 

“At AstraZeneca, we know that earlier detection and timely access to treatment can have a significant impact on cancer outcomes. That’s why we are proud to partner with the Marie Keating Foundation in supporting a garden that does more than create a beautiful space, it serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise your health, engage with screening programmes and feel empowered to seek advice early.” 

Another section focuses on supporting people through and beyond cancer, highlighting the importance of trusted information, emotional support and survivorship programmes for those navigating treatment and life beyond diagnosis. 

Killian MacDonald, Director Commercial Operations, from Gilead Sciences Ireland added: 

“The Marie Keating Foundation’s ‘Empowering at Every Step’ Garden represents our shared mission to combat cancer through widespread awareness. Living with cancer is about far more than treatment alone. Through this partnership, we are proud to support a space that reflects the importance of community, support networks and helping people feel seen and supported throughout their cancer journey.” 

Garden designer Robert Moore said: 

“I wanted the garden to feel reflective, hopeful and accessible. Each section has been designed to encourage visitors to pause, engage and think about the small actions and supports that can make a real difference throughout a cancer journey.” 

Visitors can experience the Marie Keating Foundation’s Empowering at Every Step garden at Bord Bia Bloom across the June Bank Holiday weekend, where Foundation team members will also be on-site providing practical information around cancer prevention, screening and early detection.

After Bord Bia Bloom, the garden will move to a permanent home at Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre in Kilkenny where it will serve as a community stronghold where support networks thrive, and where crucial health messages about early detection are shared with every visitor. 

Bord Bia Bloom takes place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, from Thursday 28th May to Monday 1st June 2026.