‘Hooker' Rory on quest to raise money for kids with cancer
Tom Keogh, founder and managing director at Keogh's Farm, Bernadette McGarvey, national fundraising manager with Cancer Fund for Children; Julie Galbraith of sponsor Arachas Corporate Brokers; Rory Best, former Ireland and Ulster Rugby captain; and Martin Mohan from sponsor Arachas Corporate Brokers; with Senán Smyth, aged 7, whose family has been supported by Cancer Fund for Children Photo: Marc O'Sullivan
FORMER Ireland rugby captain Rory Best will walk through County Carlow tomorrow, Wednesday, as part of his 378km walking challenge around Ireland to raise money for children with cancer.
is the final part of a trilogy of physical fundraisers led by the former Ireland, Ulster and British and Irish Lions player, which has raised more than €2.5 million to date for Cancer Fund for Children.
Cancer Fund for Children is an all-island charity providing emotional, social and therapeutic support to children, young people and families impacted by cancer.
Tomorrow will be day five of the nine-day challenge, with Rory walking a total of 40km from Carlow Castle to Kilkenny Castle, passing through Williamstown, Cloghristick, Powerstown, Leighlinbridge and Moneybeg in Carlow before entering Kilkenny, where he will finish in Clara.
The walk will culminate on Sunday 20 September in Cong, Co Mayo, the location of Cancer Fund for Children’s second Daisy Lodge therapeutic short break centre for children and families impacted by a cancer diagnosis. The centre is currently under construction and is due to open in 2027.
This year’s fundraising target is around €1.5 million, with proceeds going towards equipping Daisy Lodge ahead of its opening next year.
Ahead of the challenge, Rory said it was an “honour” to lead the group in support of Cancer Fund for Children.
“It will be emotional and very rewarding to see work nearing completion on the second Daisy Lodge, which will help more children and families going through very tough times,” he added.
Supported by sponsors Arachas Corporate Brokers and Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group, Rory will be accompanied on the walk by 21 business leaders from across the country.
Find out more about the charity challenge and how to support Rory Best and the participants by visiting https://rorysmiles2mayo.cancerfundforchildren.com/.
