The Irish Football Association’s partnership with Cancer Fund for Children is marking its 10th anniversary with a special fundraising walk around the pitch at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, covering a distance equivalent to the journey from Belfast to Daisy Lodge in County Down.
The challenge, which gets under way at 10.30am this Sunday (18 October), will see participants walk 120 laps of the pitch to help raise funds for children, young people and families impacted by cancer.
Since the partnership began in 2016, the Irish FA’s supporters, staff, players, partners and wider football community have raised more than £176,000 to support the charity’s vital work.
The anniversary year brings an ambitious fundraising target, with the Irish FA aiming to take the total raised through the partnership beyond £200,000 by the end of 2026.
Senior men’s manager Michael O’Neill and former captain Steven Davis are among those supporting the initiative, with Davis set to join staff members, supporters and special guests at the stadium on Sunday.
Davis said: “The partnership began in 2016, which was a special year for Northern Ireland football as we competed at the European Championship in France. There was a real sense of togetherness around the team and our supporters, and it’s great to see that spirit continuing through a partnership that has raised so much for such an important cause.
“Playing for Northern Ireland was a huge privilege, and I know how much football can bring people together. This walk is an opportunity to support a charity doing vital work for children and families affected by cancer.
“Raising more than £176,000 over the past decade is a fantastic achievement, and hopefully we can build on that and reach the £200,000 target together.”
Daisy Lodge, located in Newcastle, County Down, provides a place for families affected by childhood cancer to take a break from the pressures of treatment and spend valuable time together in a supportive environment.
Every contribution will help Cancer Fund for Children continue providing essential support to children, young people and families impacted by cancer.
A host of special guests will also be taking part throughout the day, with supporters able to follow all the action across the Irish FA’s social media channels.
If you would like to support the fundraising efforts for Cancer Fund for Children, you can make a donation here.
