Community updated on Daisy Lodge Mayo project ahead of opening next year
DAISY Lodge Mayo - the therapeutic short break centre for children with a cancer diagnosis - is set to open its doors next year.
The centre, based in Cong, will require ongoing sustained support so families can access this life-changing support for years to come.
Cancer Fund for Children hosted an information evening at The Crossroads Community Centre in Cong to update local residents and stakeholders on the construction of Daisy Lodge, a therapeutic short break centre for children with a cancer diagnosis and their families, due to open in early 2027.
The well-attended event provided insight into Cancer Fund for Children’s vision that no child should face cancer alone, and the charity’s commitment to ensure children, young people and families receive the right support, at the right time whether at home, in hospital or through therapeutic short breaks.
It also provided attendees with an opportunity to hear an update on build progress of this purpose-built facility, as well as an opportunity to ask questions about its impact on the community.
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Aoife Malone, Cancer Support Specialist, CFFC, Neil Symington, Director of Services, CFFC, Mairead Geehan, Partnerships and Philanthropy Executive, CFFC, Rachel Fullam, Community Fundraising Officer, CFFC, Phil Alexander, CEO, CFFC, and Raph O’Connor, Residential Services Manager (NI), CFFC, at the Cancer Fund for Children information evening held at The Crossroads Community Centre, Cong, to update local residents and stakeholders on the progress of Daisy Lodge Mayo. Photo by MICHAEL MCLAUGHLINImage 2 of 8
Shelley McCord, Volunteer Coordinator, CFFC, pictured with Jack Walsh, CFFC volunteer. Photo by MICHAEL MCLAUGHLINImage 3 of 8
Marty and Ann Holian, Cong, pictured at the Cancer Fund for Children information evening at The Crossroads Community Centre. Photo by MICHAEL MCLAUGHLINImage 4 of 8
Peter Fergus, General Manager, The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Keith Wilson, Connolly & Fee Ltd., and Raph O’Connor, Daisy Lodge, Co. Down. Photo by MICHAEL MCLAUGHLINImage 5 of 8
Lukasz Krzywon and Kasia Slabon, Cong. Photo by MICHAEL MCLAUGHLINImage 6 of 8
Bernie O’Mahony, Mary Hynes and Bob Connolly, Cong. Photo by MICHAEL MCLAUGHLINImage 7 of 8
Alan Moran, Anna Ruczynska, Cong, and Mairead Geehan, Cancer Fund for Children. Photo by MICHAEL MCLAUGHLINImage 8 of 8
Donall Joyce (AIB, Ballinrobe), Phil Alexander, CEO, CFFC, Martha Kenny (Branch Manager, AIB, Ballinrobe) and Jerome Varley (AIB, Ballinrobe). Photo by MICHAEL MCLAUGHLINAttendees included Connolly & Fee Ltd., contractors for the build, as well as Cancer Fund for Children’s International Ambassador, former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, and Raph O’Connor, residential services manager at the charity’s existing Daisy Lodge in Co. Down, who spoke about the positive impact of the charity’s support and why places like Daisy Lodge are so vital for children with cancer and their families.
Enda Kenny told the meeting: “The development of this new purpose-built respite facility in Cong will be truly life-changing for countless families, and the service that will be provided when doors open will be transformative. It is incredibly encouraging to see such strong backing from stakeholders and supporters as the charity moves closer to opening this second centre and making this important vision a reality for families in Mayo and beyond.”
Rachel Fullum, community fundraising officer at Cancer Fund for Children, highlighted the importance of continued fundraising beyond doors opening.
“While the opening of Daisy Lodge Co. Mayo will mark a significant milestone in the project, it also highlights the ongoing need for sustained support. With annual running costs of approximately £1.5 million, continued fundraising will be vital to ensure families can access this life-changing support for years to come,” she said.
“Every contribution will help us continue to provide a safe, supportive space where children with cancer and their families can rest, reconnect and rebuild.”
The new Daisy Lodge will provide children across Ireland impacted by cancer, and their families, with a safe, restorative space where they can spend quality time together, benefit from therapeutic support, enjoy complementary therapies and nutritious meals, take part in family activities, and connect with other families going through similar experiences.
Ahead of doors opening next year, Daisy Lodge Cong will create new employment opportunities across hospitality, housekeeping, facilities management, administration, and therapeutic support.
Cancer Fund for Children will continue to work closely with the local community to promote volunteering and raise awareness of the needs of families impacted by childhood cancer.
Due to open in early 2027, Daisy Lodge Mayo will be a special place where children and their families can make memories, and have precious time to rest, reconnect and rebuild.
For more information on the charity and the Daisy Lodge Mayo project, visit cancerfundforchildren.com.