It is our mission to build and open a second Daisy Lodge, therapeutic short break centre for children across the island of Ireland diagnosed with cancer and their families.
Located on the beautiful shores of Lough Corrib near Cong in Co. Mayo a second Daisy Lodge will allow us to offer even more families the opportunity to spend quality time together in a safe and supportive environment. Here, they will benefit from the therapeutic and emotional support provided by our team of Cancer Support Specialists.
The Need for Short Breaks
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, life changes for the whole family. Our therapeutic services help each family member cope with the emotional impact of cancer and allows them to simply be a family again.
The need for another therapeutic centre is massive. Due to capacity challenges and high demand, we can only provide one in seven families from across the Island of Ireland with a therapeutic short break together. At any one time there is a waiting list of over 50 families waiting to come to Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, Co. Down.
Our second Daisy Lodge, Co. Mayo will allow us to increase the number of children and parents we support each year from 1,800 to 4,000.
“My association with Cancer Fund for Children has been an amazing journey. I was proud to give something back and open the charity’s first therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, Co. Down, in 2014.
It is amazing to come home now and see what Cancer Fund for Children has created for families living with cancer. They have unbelievable facilities and offer essential support and care within a unique environment. Over the past 10 years I have seen how dedicated the charity’s staff are and how appreciative the families are to have their support.
Having been involved with the development of Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, from its very foundations, I have great belief in the Mayo project. The need is, obviously, enormous. That’s why it is important for me to get behind the building of a second Daisy Lodge, in Co. Mayo, and help create a dedicated short break centre for children living with a cancer diagnosis across the island of Ireland.”
Message From Rory McIlRoy
On the shores of the tranquil Lough Corrib in Cong, Daisy Lodge, Mayo will be a new 30,000 square foot, carbon neutral therapeutic centre co-designed by staff, children and parents. It will be a special place where children and their families can make memories, and have precious time to rest, reconnect and rebuild.
The centre’s family friendly facilities will include: adjoining en-suite rooms, outdoor activity and adventure areas, a cinema, playrooms, plus beauty and therapy rooms, to promote relaxation, creativity and physical well-being. Young people have also emphasised the importance of having restorative spaces, indoors and outdoors, where they can focus on spending quality time together as a family.
During every stay we will provide nutritious meals and complementary therapies, alongside therapeutic and emotional support from our team of highly qualified Cancer Support Specialists, who are on hand to provide an extensive programme of care.
The following video showcases the vision for Daisy Lodge in Co. Mayo and the plans that we have to provide a first-class facility for families living with a cancer diagnosis.
The Benefit of Short Breaks
At Daisy Lodge we invite families to step away from the journey of cancer and renew their inner resources, helping to strengthen their wellbeing and ensure they do not face this journey alone.
Our approach is tailored and flexible providing the ‘right support, at the right time, in the right place’. We provide opportunities for families to spend quality time together in a safe and supportive environment and meet others in similar situations.
We help equip families to cope better with the emotional impact of cancer and we strive to increase understanding of the impact cancer has on the whole family.
of families said they felt less stressed.
of families rated their short break as excellent.
of families said that spending time together was very important.
Building to Commence in July 2025
Following a public procurement process, we are delighted to announce that the tender for the construction of our second Daisy Lodge has been awarded to Connolly and Fee Limited.
Building work on our purpose-built therapeutic centre will commence in July 2025. Once completed we will be able to provide children from across the island of Ireland who are impacted by cancer, along with their families, with a safe, restorative space where they can focus on spending time together and reconnecting as a family.
Site preparation began last year, including the careful clearance of the land under the supervision of an archaeologist and ecologist. A sub-base has been laid for a new access road, car park, the building footprint, and an outdoor play area – all in anticipation of full construction commencing.
Commenting on the exciting news, our CEO, Phil Alexander said,
“This marks a major milestone for Cancer Fund for Children. We’re thrilled to begin the next phase of this transformational project and look forward to seeing construction start on this incredible site in July. Our continued collaboration with the Department of Health, the HSE, the Shared Island Fund, the local community, and our generous donors will be key in bringing our vision to life – and we look forward to taking you on this journey with us.
To all our supporters – thank you. Your belief in us will help us create a special place that will make a life-changing difference to families impacted by childhood cancer.”
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Why Mayo?
The location of the site for the new Daisy Lodge was carefully selected. Situated on the shores of the beautiful Lough Corrib in Co. Mayo this environment promotes peace and tranquillity. The benefits of nature and the soothing therapeutic qualities that fresh air and scenery provide will enhance the experience of all who spend time there.
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To find out more and get involved in our efforts to build a Daisy Lodge in Co. Mayo please contact info@cancerfundforchildren.ie.
