Newcastle Lions Club hosting Daisy Dander walking event in aid of Daisy Lodge facility

13 September 2023

NEWCASTLE Lions Club is hosting a fundraising event next Saturday in aid of the Daisy Lodge facility on the outskirts of the town.

The so-called Daisy Dander takes place at 10.30am on September 23 with participants asked to meet at the Cone of Light on the promenade and walk 1,009 steps in support of children with the disease.

Walkers will be greeted by a decorated promenade with the work carried out by members of the Creative Village group.

During September, Lions clubs across the world are raising awareness of childhood cancer, with Newcastle club members working alongside staff from Daisy Lodge.

This will include a coffee morning, a talk show and the Daisy Dander, with Daisy Lodge staff providing information packs to local businesses and highlight the awareness month through the big electronic board at the Bon Bon.

In trying to help families of children suffering from cancer, they can avail of a wonderful facility in Newcastle to give them some respite.

Originally known as as Shimna Valley and later in 2005 Narnia, the facility was enhanced with greater numbers of families being accommodated, when Daisy Lodge — a purpose built therapeutic centre — was built.

The facility was expanded to accommodate an increased number of families and since 2014, 3,500 families have stayed at the therapeutic facility, with 12 families accommodated each week.

At present 224 families are awaiting a short break at the facility while in Northern Ireland today, there are 109 children currently being treated for cancer.

Ahead of next week’s fundraiser, Newcastle Lions have thanked Raymond Shannon REC NI for providing first aid cover, with people encouraged to make a donation to Lion’s Club collectors present to support the Daisy Lodge Appeal.

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