Deborah Bonner praised for representation of Irish breast cancer survivors

The president of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) Meri Gibson has paid a glowing tribute to Donegal Town woman Deborah Bonner.

Deborah, who is very well known in dragon boating circles in Ireland and beyond, recently stepped down from her role as Irish representative to the IBCPC.

New Zealander Meri Gibson posted to the IBCPC website: “It is with much gratitude that we say a massive thank you to Deborah Bonner who has been our fantastic National Representative to Ireland since July 2017. 

“As soon as I met Deborah in Divonne les Bains, France in 2017 I knew she was the right person for the role. She has done a fabulous job of keeping the Irish [breast cancer survivor] teams connected and in promoting dragon boating to one and all.”

Ms Gibson has been very impressed by Deborah’s dedication not just to her home club Donegal Dragons which she founded, but to the wider dragon boating community and particularly the breast cancer survivor cohort.

She said: “When Deborah and I were chatting a month ago, she was on the bus on her way to meet with the paddlers from Plurabelles to paddle with them. When I asked her if it was for a regatta, she said ‘no it’s not a regatta, just a social visit, four-hour bus trip to there, but I love catching up.’

“That in itself shows commitment and dedication to travel four hours each way by bus just to catch up.  

“We know that Deborah will always stay connected to our community and continue to promote BCS paddling but she felt it was time for someone else to step up and lead the way now. 

“Deborah, you have our heartfelt thanks for all you have done to promote BCS paddling and IBCPC in Ireland. 

“Go well and always maintain that beautiful smile.”

Breast cancer survivors from the Irish and global dragon boating community have added their tributes via social media.

Here is a selection:

“Thank you Deborah for your many years of work for the IBCPC and for promoting dragon boat racing tirelessly in Ireland and beyond. You are some woman for one woman.” - Fiona Slevin

“Well done Deborah Bonner, well deserved recognition of all the great work you do,” - Eilish Murphy

“Well done Deborah, you have done a fantastic job in promoting BCS Paddling and supporting the IBCPC!! Thank you!! xx” - Janette Fry

“Thank you for all the hard work you’ve done and continue to do promoting BCS paddling in Ireland and beyond!” - Colette Labonté Johanson

“What a wonderful, supportive community we have. Well done and huge thanks to Deborah for all the work she has done and continues to do.” - Marion Egan

“Lovely to see all your work and enthusiasm recognised - we really appreciate all your support.” - Cancer Connect NI Devenish Dragons