Cancer Fund for Children appoints Mayo solicitor to its voluntary board of trustees
Cancer Fund for Children, has appointed experienced Mayo solicitor, Lisa Collins, to its voluntary board of trustees.
The appointment comes at a critical phase in the charity’s work as they aim to roll out support for families across the island of Ireland with a childhood cancer diagnosis whilst raising funds towards their capital appeal to build Daisy Lodge, a therapeutic short break centre in Cong.
Lisa trained and worked at Matheson, one of Ireland's leading law practices.
She specialised as a professional indemnity lawyer in DAC Beachcroft and later became a partner in BLM, the UK and Ireland's largest insurance risk law firm.
Lisa returned home to the west of Ireland to work with McDarby & Co Solicitors., Ballinrobe.
She now works in her family's tourism business in the village of Cong, which is also the location of the charity’s new Daisy Lodge.
Speaking about her appointment Lisa said: “I am so excited at the prospect of such a wonderful facility being created less than half a kilometre from my home.
"Children’s cancer charities are very close to my heart.
"I lost my cousin, George, to neuroblastoma at age nine in 2008. In 2006, I lost my best friend, Emer, to ovarian/uterine cancer four days after her 28th birthday. These losses had a major impact on me.
“I want to help children and families faced with a cancer diagnosis by working towards Cancer Fund for Children’s aim of ensuring that every young person under 25 diagnosed with cancer has access to the vital support they need.
"I’m delighted to bring the skills and experience that I have gained through my professional practice to help bring Daisy Lodge, Cong, from an aspiration to reality.”
Founded in 1973 Cancer Fund For Children understands the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis and its treatment have on the whole family, and that beyond the essential medical care, there is a family life that needs to be rebuilt.
Cancer Fund Children’s chief executive Phil Alexander said: “We are thrilled to welcome Lisa to our executive team.
"She joins us at a pivotal time as we aim to develop our services in Ireland, starting with the building of Daisy Lodge, a nurturing therapeutic space for children diagnosed with cancer and their families on the shores of Lough Corrib.
"With the support of our new trustee’s knowledge, and their networks we will move forward with our mission to ensure that children and families across Ireland receive the right emotional and therapeutic support to help them cope with the challenges of childhood cancer.”
Planning permission has been secured by CFFC, and the charity has embarked on a capital appeal to raise €12.5 million.