Rose Barrett
Alex McEleney from Baldyoyle and his family are among many who’ve welcomed the Government’s recent allocation of €5m towards Daisy Lodge, a second therapeutic short break centre for young people with childhood cancer.
Alex was first diagnosed with cancer at 11 years old and relapsed twice before going through his final round of treatment at 15.
“He spent time at Daisy Lodge and it was such a therapeutic space for us and really helped us come together as a family in the midst of all the pressures of cancer,” said his mum Louisa McEleney.
Alex was first diagnosed with leukaemia in 2017, and finished treatment in October 2020. However, in February 2021, the family was told the devasting news that his cancer had returned. Louisa has regularly shared their experience to raise awareness of the impact of childhood cancer and the need for a second therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge in Co Mayo.
The family was thrilled with the recent announcement by Minister Stephen Donnelly of the €7.5m allocation towards childhood cancer services and the therapeutic centre.
Speaking about the announcement Louisa said: “It’s amazing that the Irish Government has approved such an incredible amount of funding in support of Daisy Lodge in Cong. My son Alex was first diagnosed with cancer at 11 years old and relapsed twice before going through his final round of treatment at 15.
“He spent time at Daisy Lodge and it was such a therapeutic space for us and really helped us come together as a family in the midst of all the pressures of cancer. It was made even more special by the fact that the announcement fell on Alex’s 17th birthday!”
Alex has worked closely with Cancer Fund for Children (CFFC) by sharing his story with others. He also addressed members of the Dáil at a CFFC conference in Buswells Hotel, stressing the need for further support centres for children with cancer.
CPPC welcomed Minister Donnelly’s announcement of €7.5m in funding for the construction of a new Daisy Lodge therapeutic centre to be built in picturesque Cong. Mr Donnelly stated €5m will be combined with €2.5m in Shared Island funding.
The charity’s second therapeutic centre will welcome families from both Ireland and Northern Ireland for free short breaks. Children with cancer will be referred to the Mayo centre by CFFC’s team of Cancer Support Specialists working across the island, some in hospitals in both ROI and NI. The existing centre in Co Down can facilitate 1,800 family members per year, and a second Daisy Lodge will increase this number to 4,000 per year.
CFFC CEO, Phil Alexander added: “A childhood cancer diagnosis and its treatment can have a devastating impact on the whole family. Life as they once knew it is shattered. Beyond the excellent clinical care families receive, there is a huge need for social and emotional support.
“As we can only provide therapeutic short breaks to one in every seven families, a second Daisy Lodge will be transformational in helping to ensure every family impacted by childhood cancer can access our support. Construction will commence in January 2024 and we are truly grateful to the Department of Health and the Shared Island Fund Unit for helping make this possible.”
If you’d like to donate or sign up for a fundraiser on behalf of CPPC, go to https://cancerfundforchildren.com/news/alex-mceleny-asks-dail-to-support-cancer-fund-for-children/
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