Cancer Fund for Children Mark 10 Years of Therapeutic Support with Launch of New Services Model

We hosted special event to mark 10 years of therapeutic support at our purpose-built facility, Daisy Lodge, and launch our new services model

We were joined by current and past service users, the Health Minister, MLAs, representatives from the statutory and voluntary sector and corporate supporters to recognise the impact 10 years of therapeutic short breaks have had for families impacted by cancer.

Guests heard from a range of speakers including mum of three Ellen whose eldest son Todd was diagnosed with Glioma in 2010 when he was just nine years old. Todd underwent 92 weeks of chemotherapy treatment and was one of the first children to stay in Daisy Lodge along with his family.

We opened the doors of Daisy Lodge in October 2014. Since then, we have welcomed 4,000 families for therapeutic short breaks, often during times of significant distress, upheaval, and uncertainty. Feedback from families has found that time spent together at Daisy Lodge has helped them connect as a family, feel heard, gain support from with others in similar situations and benefit from much needed rest and relaxation.

“We can’t believe that we’re celebrating the 10th birthday of Daisy Lodge, and we want to say thank you to everyone who has helped us get to this point. From businesses to community groups and individuals, the support we have received and the generosity and kindness we have experienced has completely blown us away.

Families travel from across the island of Ireland to experience the restorative atmosphere Cancer Fund for Children provides here, but unfortunately, for each family we can support, there are another six we cannot. There are currently 370 families on the waiting list to come and stay with us which is why we are excited that building of our second Daisy Lodge, located in Co. Mayo will commence early next year. Once operational we will be able to reduce waiting time and better serve those who need our support.”

Raph O’Connor Cancer Fund for Children’s Residential Services Manager

“Over the past 10 years we have continued to learn, to listen and to sensitively develop our services in direct response to the needs of children and young people. Today we are proud to launch our organisational ‘model of practice’ based on their feedback. The model our approach to service delivery and its purpose which is – to connect, nurture, understand and empower. Our new model will guide the support we provide to young people across the island of Ireland impacted by cancer, now and in the future.”

Neil Symington, Director of Services

“It was a pleasure to be invited to mark the 10th anniversary of Daisy Lodge. The opportunities provided here for young people to connect with other families and peers facing the same challenges can be invaluable in helping them to cope with the effects of living with cancer.

 I want to recognise the excellent work of the staff of Cancer Fund for Children, without whose passion and dedication to improving the lives of people with cancer, none of this would be possible. The charity’s person-centered approach, focusing on the power of relationships, connections, compassion and flexibility, aligns closely with my Department’s vision for shaping cancer services for young people.”

Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt

Leslie Michell, Assistant Director of Nursing within cancer services in the Western Health and Social Care Trust closed the event by reinforcing the importance of collaboration between the statutory and voluntary sector and the need for cancer services provided by charities like Cancer Fund for Children.

For more information about Cancer Fund for Children go to www.cancerfundforchildren.com