Dundalk's Gardiner Family Apothecary join Rory’s Miles2Mayo to help children with cancer

The team at Gardiner Family Apothecary in Dundalk have put their best foot forward with rugby legend Rory Best to help raise €2m for children with cancer.

The sensitive skincare company sponsored Leg 3 of Miles2Mayo, a 10-day, 330km walking challenge to raise cash for a therapeutic short stay centre for sick children.

Funds raised will be used by the Cancer Fund for Children to build a centre on the shores of Lough Corrib, Co Mayo, similar to Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, Co Down.

“We were delighted to support Rory’s challenge and to help him go the distance so that no child and no family has to face cancer alone,” said Joanna Gardiner, CEO of Gardiner Family Apothecary.  

“I can’t think of a more deserving cause and, after supporting the first M2M in 2021, we were more than happy to put on our walking shoes again to help ensure this fantastic project becomes a reality.”

Rory, who walked from Kildare to Cong through Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare and Galway, said: “This challenge wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of people like Elave Skincare and I was very grateful to have them behind me.”

En route, the rugby legend was joined and cheered on by thousands of well-wishers, with hundreds more individuals, organisations and clubs undertaking their own challenges to raise money for the new therapy centre. 

Every week across Ireland, around 30 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer, but for every family supported, there are another six that the CFC cannot help due to lack of resources.

Since opening in 2014, Daisy Lodge has welcomed over 3,300 families from across the island to its five star facilities which include ensuite family rooms, well-being centre and gym, therapy suites, cinema and games rooms, communal lounges, and restaurant. 

You can still donate to Rory’s walkathon at www.rorysmiles2mayo.com.