To mark Childhood Cancer Awareness month we wanted to highlight the invaluable work being done by Daisy Lodge which supports and therapies to families and their children who are going through the most difficult times of their lives.

The fantastic range of facilities offer families the chance to unwind and be together. While the dedicated staff are on hand to provide care and compassion to young people like Sophie who has told us how much Daisy Lodge has helped her.

Michelle O’Neill, First Minister

I can only imagine how difficult is it for families when a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer but listening to Sophie talk about her own experience was a reminder of just how vital the services available at Daisy Lodge are.

The staff here go above and beyond for the families spending time here, offering them some much-needed comfort and practical support in a range of ways during their time of need.

Emma Little-Pengelly, deputy First Minister

It was great to have the First Minister and deputy First Minister visit Daisy Lodge to see first-hand how our purpose-built facility supports families in the local community, Northern Ireland and beyond. Every week in Northern Ireland, approximately three children and young people (aged 0-24) are diagnosed with cancer. Therapeutic short breaks give these children and their families a space where they can reconnect and get away from the world of cancer, for even just a little while.

Phil Alexander, CEO of Cancer Fund for Children