Rory Best Completed Charity Walk for Cancer Center
The former rugby captain finished a 378km fundraising trek to support the construction of a new respite facility.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Former rugby star Rory Best and 21 business leaders finished a nine-day walk across Ireland to support the construction of a new Daisy Lodge cancer respite centre in Cong. The effort concludes a trilogy of fundraising events that generated approximately €4.2 million for the Cancer Fund for Children.
Why it matters
The funds raised are critical for both the development and the ongoing operational costs of the new Daisy Lodge facility. This center provides vital support services to families impacted by cancer, mirroring the model of the organization's existing site in Newcastle.
The fundraising challenge spanned 378km over nine days and featured participation from 21 business leaders. The collective trilogy of events successfully raised approximately €4.2 million for the Cancer Fund for Children.
The players
Rory Best
He is a former professional rugby player and captain of the Ireland national team.
Cancer Fund for Children
This organization provides specialized support services to children and families impacted by cancer.
The details
Participants completed the walking journey across the island of Ireland, reaching the final destination in the village of Cong. The event was bolstered by business leaders who joined the team for the final segment of the trek to push toward the fundraising goal.
Timeline
The fundraising walk concluded in Cong village on October 3, 2026.
The new Daisy Lodge facility is expected to open in the spring of 2027.
Market Landscape
This initiative scales the established respite model seen at the existing Daisy Lodge in Newcastle to a new region. It leverages private-sector involvement to accelerate the expansion of essential nonprofit infrastructure against traditional capital campaign timelines.
This project expands the availability of support services for families navigating a cancer diagnosis in the region. Once the site opens, it will offer direct respite resources that supplement standard medical care for children and their relatives.
The takeaway
Large-scale community events can effectively bridge the funding gap for essential healthcare infrastructure. Supporters can monitor the progress of new facilities to see how charitable donations translate into tangible local resources.
What happens next
The Daisy Lodge cancer respite centre in Cong is scheduled to open its doors to families in the spring of 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about organizational goals and efforts in Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Connaught Telegraph.
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