Rory Best finishes 330km endurance walk fundraiser for child cancer services

Former Ireland rugby captain Rory Best has raised more than €600,000 for child cancer services after completing a 330km 10-day walk across the country.

On Thursday evening, Best completed his journey by turning the sod at the site where the Cancer Fund For Children hopes to develop a new therapeutic short-break centre, Daisy Lodge in Cong, Co Mayo.

He said: “There have been many highlights throughout my professional career but the last 10 days have been incredibly special.

“I have met so many inspirational children and families who are navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis and heard some heartbreaking and inspiring stories from children, parents and health professionals.

“Their experiences helped keep me motivated along some of the more challenging parts of my journey.”

While the walk is over, the fundraising efforts continue and Best asked the public to give generously to “ensure no child or young person on the island of Ireland has to face cancer alone”.

The former rugby player said he took on the walking challenge having been inspired by the “amazing work” the charity does to help children across the island diagnosed with cancer and their families.

He said: “A childhood cancer diagnosis can impact the whole family.

“Therapeutic short breaks at Daisy Lodge provide children with cancer a space to rest, time with their families and the opportunity to 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 Co Mayo.”

The charity already operates a Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, Co Down, which provides a safe and supportive environment “far removed from the