Eleven friends have united to raise over $50,000 for cancer research, after two of the women in the group were diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

Betty Gregoriades, Amalia Zaharias, Alex Metax, Jana Tsioukis, Mary Curtis, Kathy Morris, Mary Drakopoulos, Andria Anastasiou, Loula Kabylakis, Zoe Anastasiou and Stella Shiamaris describe themselves as “a group of girlfriends, sisters, ‘koumbares’ and daughters who have come together out of a need to do something to help.”

“The one common thread amongst all of us is the feeling of helplessness, even in the midst of a most courageous battle – feeling that the cure for breast cancer is out of our hands,” the group said.

The group held a Pink Ribbon cocktail party last month to do something positive, following the completion of the women’s cancer treatments, co-organiser Ms Shiamaris said.

Over 360 people attended the function, held at the new 3 Point Motors Mercedes Benz dealership, which was donated as the venue for the night. Dancing with the Stars judge Mark Milson was MC for the night.

Ms Shiamaris said the group was “overwhelmed” by the level of support given in terms of donations of prizes and gifts for the silent and live auction.

The ladies are tickled pink by the event’s success and won’t stop here. “Our fundraiser cocktail party was our first function and we hope to have one every year,” Ms Shiamaris said.

Ms Shiamaris said fundraising events like these are vital in promoting a good cause. “We believe that increased awareness of breast cancer and support for such causes can all help find a cure.”