I lead the new Partnership and Philanthropy team working across the island of Ireland to help Cancer Fund for Children achieve its vision – that no child should face cancer alone. I couldn’t think of a better vision to work towards and I am delighted to be part of a team who passionately work to ensure this is a reality.

I am a communications and income generation specialist with over 20 years’ experience in healthcare across public, private and voluntary sectors. I’m from Roscommon and for the last 10 years I have been Head of Communications and Fundraising at North West Hospice. In this role I led North West Hospice through many changes, delivering the most successful years for fundraising in the history of the organisation. I also worked collaboratively with other hospices around Ireland to develop “Together for Hospice the National Hospice Movement” which was a great benefit to all hospices nationally.

In my new role I am looking forward to working alongside our corporate partners and donors to fund the development and delivery of our services throughout the island of Ireland. We are building a second Daisy Lodge in Co Mayo and it is hugely exciting to see this facility come to life with construction due to commence next year. It will be truly amazing to be able to offer a therapeutic short break to all families impacted by childhood cancer which isn’t possible currently due to limited availability.

Meet Bernadette McGarvey, our Partnership and Philanthropy Manager

I have worked in Hospitality for over 25 years, I studied Hotel Management with GMIT, now known as ATU. I did my initial training with Ashford Castle Cong, and I have been lucky to worked in stunning properties such as The Hardiman, Galway Clayton, Lough Eske Castle, Ballinahinch Castle and The Galway Bay Hotel.

I have been interested in the charity sector for a while, it was just a case of finding the right cause. I love the idea of raising money for an organisation that makes a difference to the lives of children and young people impacted by cancer. I live in Cong, where the second Daisy Lodge is being built, and it is very exciting to be part of that. I know families that have availed of short breaks at Cancer Fund for Children’s therapeutic centre in Newcastle Co. Down and hearing about the difference this support has made in their lives, is really inspiring.

I am excited to work with our corporate partners to help them achieve their own CSR goals whilst raising vital funds and I’m looking forward to telling the story of the charity and building awareness. We are relatively new in the west, so I feel like we are the new kids on the block. I can’t wait to introduce some new events such as the Bog Run and maybe convince some people to take on a  Skydive! I am also looking forward to getting to know my new colleagues and learning from them. Most of all I am looking forward to seeing Daisy Lodge in Cong open to families so they can access this vital support.

Meet Mairead Geehan, Partnership and Philanthropy Executive

I’m delighted to have joined Cancer Fund for Children as West of Ireland Regional Fundraiser. I will work alongside our Connacht Regional Fundraiser and the fundraising team to enable our supporters to raise vital funds to support children and young people impacted by cancer.

Coming from the West of Ireland I have followed Cancer Fund for Children’s journey closely, particularly the development of Daisy Lodge in Cong. Having worked in an oncology setting and seen the toll that a cancer diagnosis and treatment can have on children, their families, and their entire community, I believe wholeheartedly in Cancer Fund for Children’s vision – that no child should face cancer alone. I am excited to represent this amazing organisation in the West where I know there is kindness around every corner.

Cancer Fund for Children does incredible work to raise awareness of childhood cancer and I really admire how the children and young people who use the charity’s services provided are always at the centre of their work. We can all learn so much from the resilience and bravery of these young people and I truly believe that everybody has something to give, from financial support, to skills, to services, to their time.

Fundraising, especially at a community level, is a wonderfully unique job where you can help people support a cause through their interests and their passions. I am also really looking forward to meeting some of the children and families who are supported by CFFC, hearing their stories and joining them on part of their journey to help in any way I can.

Meet Rachel Fullam, West of Ireland Regional Fundraiser