Amazing support for Mayo's Daisy Lodge - a legacy that will help children and families affected by cancer

Ireland and Ulster Rugby legend Rory Best, together with 21 business leaders, received a rapturous welcome in Cong village as part of the 378km, nine-day Rory's Miles to Mayo - the Trilogy walking challenge around the island of Ireland for Cancer Fund for Children in Cong. The walk concluded at Daisy Lodge, Cong, which is expected to open next spring.

The combined total raised by Rory Best’s three Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo fundraisers for Cancer Fund for Children is around €4.2 million.

Cancer Fund for Children is an all-island charity that provides emotional, social and therapeutic support to children, young people and families impacted by cancer.

Speaking at the site of Daisy Lodge, Cong, Rory Best said it was immense to see the new building under construction.

“This will benefit future generations, and it is about the legacy of trying to help children and families affected by cancer, and who are facing a very uncertain time, and they face a lot of struggles.

"Respite centres like this are where families come together. I have spoken to families who have felt the impact of the centre in Daisy Lodge, Newcastle, Co. Down, and to have something bigger and better here (in Cong) to service the entire island is special. To see this new building under construction is immense.

“Five years ago, some people might have thought we were a bit mad when we arrived here with this idea and vision. When we arrived at the gate five years ago there was just the forest here.

“We could obviously see the natural beauty; however, it took a huge leap of faith to see that the project and building would come to fruition. Then, three years ago there was even more work completed and you could see Lough Corrib in the distance and now it is just unbelievable to see so much progress that has been made.”

Best said the picturesque village of Cong means a lot to him.

“Cong village has become very special to us, and it has been the landmark to say that we finished this trilogy of walks. These walks, physically and more so emotionally, have been challenging. To come into a village that is famous for The Quiet Man film, and in such a beatifical part of the world is special. The reception and welcome that we have received across Mayo, and indeed every county that we have walked through, has been brilliant.

“It was good to finish the walk in Cong village with a nice pint of Guinness!”

Phil Alexander is CEO of Cancer Fund for Children. He was very proud of the efforts made by the people on the journey.

“I am incredibly proud of the people who have come along on this journey with us. It is a special moment for the people who initially believed in this project and especially the thousands of people who have gotten behind us. I would particularly like to thank Rory and Jody Best, and all of the amazing business leaders who have supported this. All I can say is that their belief helped drive us (Cancer Fund for Children) on and it motivates us to make sure that this site is developed and that we can continue to fundraise for the cost of this on an ongoing basis.”

Daisy Lodge, Cong, will be a world class short break centre for children and their families affected by cancer.

“You can see the outside of the building, and what will be inside will be specialised rooms for families, playrooms, games-rooms, spa, therapy areas, a gym, cinema room and fully catered facilities. This is going to be a world class facility in County Mayo. We will also be creating jobs for people in this journey going forward.

“It was really encouraging to see such support, and you could really feel the atmosphere today. Some of the people were wearing Mayo jerseys. We were also walking with Cillian O’Connor, and he made sure that the Sam Maguire joined us for a part of the journey. Cillian’s team-mate Tommy Conroy then joined us in The Neale.

“Mayo is a such a special county, and we are here not just on account of the beautiful landscape but also the amazing people.”

Neil Symington is the director of services at Cancer Fund for Children. He was amazed by the support they received across Mayo.

“To see the support that we have received is unbelievable. These men and women from across Ireland have come together to support Cancer Fund for Children and that has been awe-inspiring.

They have exceeded all expectations. It has been difficult, painful and sore for walkers taking part, but they pushed through in the end. For a lot of families out there who are living with a child with cancer and the huge devastating impact that has, they can look at these guys and see the support that is there for them.”

Neil said Cong is an ideal location for the new short break centre.

“When we were looking at a new centre, we knew that we were going to build our next one in the Republic of Ireland and the location was critical, with the environment and community around it. We could see that Cong was the right place for our new centre. Cong leans perfectly into what we are trying to achieve here. And we are excited that Daisy Lodge will be open here.

“To see all that support with children cheering, sports stars supporting us and business leaders as well was incredible. Walking into Cong village for me was the highlight as we know that this community has been supporting us for a long time. For the participants to get that warmth and welcome in Cong was the icing on the cake.”