Daisy Lodge provides 4,000 breaks to families of children with cancer
The therapeutic centre in Newcastle, County Down, marks 10 years since its establishment with support from Rory McIlroy.
The therapeutic short-break centre Daisy Lodge has provided more than 4,000 breaks to families over the last 10 years, according to a report by the Times of India. Located in Newcastle, County Down, the facility supports children with cancer and their families.
The centre was established in 2014 by the Cancer Fund for Children after Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy committed £1 million from his foundation to support its development. McIlroy said he wanted to see the project replicated and noted that it is about giving back and helping others.
Daisy Lodge offers meals, workshops, and therapies to families, including those who have just received a diagnosis or are grieving the loss of a child. The charity reported that in 2025, the centre supported 962 individual families and received 293 new family referrals.
Chairperson Peter O’Brien stated that 521 families availed of a short break at the Newcastle location. The charity also noted that 83 people supported by the organisation died from cancer last year and they continue to offer bereavement support to those families.
Over the decade, the lodge has held 7,950 therapeutic workshops and offered 8,925 complementary therapies. The charity is planning a second lodge, Daisy Lodge Cong, in County Mayo to support more families.