Connacht GAA are delighted to announce our support for Cancer Fund for Children, an all-Ireland charity that works to empower, strengthen and connect children, young people and families impacted by cancer.

The charity needs to raise €12.5 million to build a new therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge, on the shores of Lough Corrib in Cong, Co. Mayo for children across Ireland diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Daisy Lodge will be a safe, supportive space where families navigating the emotional impact of childhood cancer can enjoy free short breaks and focus on spending time together. This capital project was inspired by the Cancer Fund for Children’s existing Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, County Down, which currently supports 1,800 children and parents a year. However, for every family the charity can support there is another six they cannot which is why they urgently need to build a second therapeutic centre in Mayo.

Speaking about the news, secretary of the Connacht Council John Prenty said,

“Connacht GAA are delighted to lend our support to such a worthy cause. We look forward to strengthening our connections in the coming weeks and months to help the charity with their fundraising goals towards this amazing project in Cong which will benefit so many families.”

Mary McHugh-Murphey, Cancer Fund for Children’s Connacht Regional Fundraiser added,

“We are delighted that Connacht GAA has chosen to support Cancer Fund for Children to help us raise vital funds and awareness.  I have a long tradition of involvement with GAA on a club and county level in my family so this opportunity is very exciting for me.

Cancer knocks on the door of many families, unannounced. It is an extremely challenging and isolating time. Cancer Fund for Children has planning permission to transform a beautiful site on the shores of Lough Corrib into a nurturing centre for children diagnosed with cancer across the island of Ireland. We have raised £2 million towards this capital project and need to raise a further €10million.

I look forward to working with Connacht GAA and engaging with clubs throughout the region so that they can help us raise vital funds and awareness to make sure our vision that no child should face cancer alone continues to be a reality.”

If you would like to get involved in fundraising to help build a new Daisy Lodge in the West of Ireland, please contact Mary: mary@cancerfundforchildren.ie.

You can also find out more about this project here:  https://cancerfundforchildren.com/daisy-lodge-mayo/