Chris Connolly Champions Recovery and Community at Very Pink Run

Chris Connolly, a prominent figure in addiction recovery, is leveraging his personal journey to inspire others as an ambassador for the Breast Cancer Ireland Very Pink Run. This event will take place in Dublin on September 6, 2023, Cork on September 7, 2023, and Kilkenny on September 14, 2023. Participants can also join virtually, engaging in local community events throughout the same period.

Connolly, known as “Get Better With Chris,” shared his challenges with addiction, revealing that he struggled with feeling insecure and inadequate from a young age. Reflecting on his past, he stated, “I always felt very, very deeply insecure, inadequate and unsure in who I was.” He described how he sought solace in substances, saying, “I just looked externally to try and fill them…through drink, through drugs, through alcohol, through steroids.”

His path to sobriety was fraught with difficulties. “I battled with my mind, my body, my spirit and my wants and my compulsions again and again,” he explained. Connolly realized that true change required him to seek help completely. He emphasized the importance of self-belief and acceptance, noting, “I needed to relinquish the old version of me to be able to come into the new version of me.”

Building Community Through Shared Struggles

While in treatment, Connolly founded the “Get Better” initiative, aiming to encourage others to embrace their imperfections. He expressed, “Rather than striving for perfection, I just always strive to get better.” His message focuses on the importance of self-acceptance, stating, “It’s alright to be a little bit messed up or a little bit less than everybody else.”

Connolly has also established the Get Better Running Club, which aims to create an inclusive environment for individuals facing various challenges, from addiction to mental health struggles. Since its inception in January 2023, the club has expanded to ten locations across Ireland. He envisions a future with 32 clubs in 32 counties, emphasizing the importance of community and support. “We want every single person to know that when you’re with your friends or at the running club, the only thing that you need to do is try and get better,” he said.

Earlier this month, Connolly hosted his first live show at The Sugar Club in Dublin, where he connected with audiences by sharing his experiences. He expressed his desire to continue these events, highlighting their role in fostering connections among people with shared challenges.

Supporting a Vital Cause

As part of the Very Pink Tribe, Connolly is rallying support for breast cancer awareness and research. In Ireland, approximately 3,700 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed annually, affecting one in seven women and one in 738 men during their lifetime. The Very Pink Run has mobilized over 97,000 participants across 40 countries, raising an impressive €7.3 million to date for breast cancer initiatives.

Funds raised from this year’s events will specifically support research into metastatic disease progression and enhance the speed of scientific discoveries leading to clinical trials. Connolly’s involvement with Breast Cancer Ireland began last year when he interviewed a survivor who shared her emotional journey. He emphasized the positive impact of such stories, stating, “It was able to showcase that Breast Cancer Ireland do a lot of work to be able to help people not feel so alone.”

The Very Pink Run is designed to be a family-friendly event that welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, whether they choose to walk, jog, or run. Connolly highlighted the significance of community connection during these events, noting, “People were all there so they felt less alone.”

For those wishing to participate, registration is available at www.verypinkrun.ie. The event promises a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, food, and entertainment, all while raising critical funds for breast cancer research. Connolly’s journey from addiction to becoming an advocate for health and community exemplifies the transformative power of resilience and support.