Charity challenge to put ‘Best’ to the test as he visits Limerick
IT'S SIMPLY the ‘Best’ this May for those in need, as former Ireland and Ulster rugby captain Rory Best embarks on a 300km walk for children with cancer.
With the aim of raising €2m, the rugby star sets out to travel through eight counties to raise money for a new therapeutic short break centre for children and families to avail of after a cancer diagnosis.
Rory will arrive in Limerick on May 21, where he will go to the University of Limerick (UL) campus, before arriving at the new International Rugby Experience that officially opened earlier this week.
With Cancer Fund for Children ambassador Rory saying his aim for the children is to be “treated like the stars they are”, the charity is hoping to build a new centre for short term family stays, in Mayo, with the millions of euros raised.
Speaking about the upcoming challenge, officially named ‘Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo’, Rory Best said: “I’m delighted to be doing my bit to help bring another therapeutic facility to Ireland for families impacted by childhood cancer.
“I am also looking forward to visiting Limerick on my journey, and stopping by the new International Rugby Experience.”
Every week across Ireland, 10 children and young people, aged 0-24, are diagnosed with cancer.
Describing the upcoming campaign as “epic”, Barry Hannon, CEO of the International Rugby Experience, said: “We will be delighted to welcome him (Rory Best) to the International Rugby Experience – the Home of Legends - when he arrives in Limerick.
“We would encourage people to come out to O’Connell Street on the day to support him.”
Beginning his journey at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, in a traditional kudos to his decorated rugby career, Rory will pass through Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Galway and Mayo.
Funds raised through the campaign will go towards the building of Daisy Lodge in Cong, Mayo. This second therapeutic centre is inspired by the existing Daisy Lodge in Down, which has supported over 3,300 families from across Ireland since it opened in 2014.