Up until last Saturday night week, Rory Best was the last man to captain Ireland to a Grand Slam win. Now the rugby legend has announced details of a different challenge; a cause close to his heart.
‘Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo’ is a 300km walking trek that Rory will make across Ireland to raise money for Cancer Fund for Children. The funds raised will go towards further expanding Cancer Fund for Children’s services across the island of Ireland and progress with the build of Daisy Lodge, a therapeutic short break centre for children diagnosed with cancer and their families. On completion this will be the second such centre for Cancer Fund for Children and will be built in Cong.
Shay (10) and Tom (12) whose younger brother Daniel (7) is supported by Cancer Fund For Children, alongside Rugby Legend Rory Best as he launched details of Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan
In 2021, Rory raised over €1m which has been used to expand Cancer Fund for Children’s services across the island of Ireland and progress with the build of Daisy Lodge in Mayo. This year, Rory is upping the challenge and from May 16 to 25 he will walk over 300km from Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to Cong in Co. Mayo to raise funds in support of children, young people, and families affected by cancer. Rory will be joined on his walk by some of the families Cancer Fund for Children support, as well as former teammates, public figures, sponsors, and supporters of the charity.
“I’m taking on a mammoth walking challenge in support of Cancer Fund for Children this May,” Best said.
“A childhood cancer diagnosis can impact the whole family. Hospital appointments, treatment, and the pressures of navigating this experience can leave a family feeling disconnected and exhausted. Short breaks at Daisy Lodge provide children with cancer, a space to rest, time with their families and build connections with others their own age going through the same thing. They get to be treated like the stars they are and that’s why I’m delighted to be doing my bit to help bring another therapeutic facility like this to Mayo.”
The challenge is being generously sponsored by The Ardonagh Group, Arachas, and Kingsbridge Private Hospital. Rory will pass through counties Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Galway, and Mayo.
You can get behind Rory this May and help him go the distance to ensure no child has to face cancer alone. Take on your own fundraising challenge or donate to Rory’s by visiting the website at www.rorysmiles2mayo.com.
