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We have provided short breaks to families from the Republic of Ireland in Daisy Lodge, Co. Down for over five years. It is our vision to build and open a second therapeutic short break centre for children with cancer and their families in the Republic of Ireland so that no child has to face cancer alone.
We are pleased to have secured land in the beautiful location of Cong in Co. Mayo which will uniquely offer more families the opportunity to spend quality time together in a safe and supportive environment.
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 short break centre is massive. Currently, we can only provide one in seven families from across the Island of Ireland with a therapeutic short break. 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 in Ireland 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 and see what Cancer Fund for Children has created for families living with cancer. They have unbelievable facilities for children and offer essential support and care within a unique environment. Having been involved with the development of Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, from its very foundations, I have great belief in the Co Mayo project. The need is, obviously, enormous.
That’s why it is important for me to get behind Daisy Lodge, Co. Mayo, and help create a dedicated short break centre for children living with a cancer diagnosis.
Message From Rory McilRoy
When families visit Daisy Lodge, they will be able to enjoy a family cinema, an activity centre, a therapy suite, and a stunning outdoor area. Private family suites will encourage rest, relaxation, and recuperation alongside the communal areas, which are designed to gently and naturally encourage families to mix and share experiences and receive support.
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 tiresome journey of cancer and renew their inner resources, helping to strengthen their wellbeing and ensure they do not face this journey alone.
Our support works to connect, empower and strengthen families who are living with a cancer diagnosis. We provide opportunities for families to meet others in similar situations. We work to better equip families to deal with their current situation and we strive to increase the understanding of the impact of cancer 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.
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 provides will enhance the experience of all who spend time there.
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Rory's Miles 2 Mayo
In May, our ambassador, former Ireland and Ulster Rugby Captain, Rory Best walked from the Aviva Stadium in Dublin to the site of our second Daisy Lodge facility to be built on the shores of Lough Corrib in Co. Mayo. Rory walked over 330km in 10 days, putting his mental and physical endurance to the test to help us support children and young people impacted by cancer. Throughout his journey, he was joined by some of the families that we support, former teammates, public figures, other sporting heroes and sponsors and supporters of the charity.
This was Rory’s second walking challenge for Cancer Fund for Children. In September 2021 he walked from Daisy Lodge in Co. Down to Mayo.
We couldn’t be more grateful to Rory, his family and everyone who got behind him and helped him go the distance so we can continue to help ensure no child has to face cancer alone. Rory has raised an incredible €2 million to date and you can still donate to his challenge here.
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To find out more and get involved in our efforts to build a Daisy Lodge in Co. Mayo please contact Hollie@cancerfundforchildren.ie.
Cancer Fund for Children is a registered charity in Ireland (20142681), CHY 21682 and in Northern Ireland (NIC100532). Northern Ireland company number NIO49930, Ireland Company number 590462. Registered office Curlew Pavilion, Portside Business Park, Airport Road West, Belfast, BT3 9ED. Registered office in Ireland, 38 Upper Mount Street, Dublin, D02 PR89, Ireland
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