Christmas comes to Mayo's Daisy Lodge
Children’s cancer charity, Cancer Fund for Children, has welcomed in Christmas by lighting a tree on the site of their planned therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge, to be built in Cong.
Organised by the charity’s Connacht regional fundraiser Mary McHugh-Murphy, with the help of key supporter, local young photographer Jack Walsh, the tree was created to share festive spirit with the local community.
Baubles on the tree were designed by children of the Cong National School and the lights were turned on by Mayo GAA player, Tommy Conroy, as attendees were serenaded by Gortjordan carol singers.
Also in attendance were local councillors Michael Burke and Damien Ryan.
Mary McHugh-Murphy said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we were able to bring this tree to life at our site.
"The support received from the community has been amazing, from the school children who designed the baubles to the local personalities who attended the turning on of the lights.
"I can’t wait to keep working within this wonderful area to help build a second Daisy Lodge for children and young people impacted by cancer.”
Phil Alexander, CEO of Cancer Fund for Children, said: “It’s our vision that no child across the island of Ireland has to face cancer alone.
"A second Daisy Lodge will go a long way in helping to secure that vision, so we’re so grateful to the people of Cong who have got behind us and supported us with their time, passion and dedication.
"This tree is a wonderful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together.”
Cancer Fund for Children support children and young people diagnosed with cancer across the island of Ireland, providing therapeutic short breaks at their Daisy Lodge centre in Newcastle, Co. Down.
It is their vision to build a second centre on the shores of Lough Corrib which will allow them to more than double the amount of families they support each year.
You can support them by sponsoring a bauble on their Cong Christmas tree.
Just contact Mary at mary@cancerfundforchildren.ie.
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