Wednesday 21 Oct 2026

Football family comes together to raise thousands on Road to Daisy Lodge

More than 200 participants from across Northern Ireland's football family came together at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park on Sunday (18 October) for a special fundraising event celebrating 10 years of partnership between the Irish Football Association and Cancer Fund for Children. 

The Road to Daisy Lodge GAWA Relay saw players, coaches, football legends, sporting personalities, families and supporters join forces to complete 120 laps around the pitch, covering the equivalent distance from Belfast to Daisy Lodge, the charity's therapeutic centre in Newcastle, County Down.

Northern Ireland senior men's manager Michael O'Neill was joined by Kings of Lyon Steven Davis and Gareth McAuley, alongside representatives from the women's and girls' football pathway, Powerchair Football, Walking Football and the wider sporting community.

The event also featured a special finale, with six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea completing a lap around the perimeter of the pitch.

Beyond the fundraising challenge, the day provided an opportunity for participants to meet families supported by Cancer Fund for Children, hear their personal stories and learn more about the charity's vital work.

Cormac McMullan, Regional Community Fundraiser and Engagement Lead for Cancer Fund for Children, was among those taking part.

"It's amazing what the GAWA have done for the charity over the past 10 years. Marking this decade-long milestone with both the match in September followed by this walk is incredible, and the work being done for children impacted by cancer is amazing.

"We don't get government investment, so this level of fundraising is so important."

Michael O'Neill said the cause was particularly close to his heart.

"A number of years ago we brought the squad down to Daisy Lodge. They spent time with the children and families who were using the facility at that time. It's a pretty inspirational place.

"We subsequently had a special picture commissioned of the squad that went to the Euros in 2016, with the proceeds going to Cancer Fund for Children. So personally, and as a squad, it's something we've been close to for a number of years. 

"It's been a great idea to open the stadium, particularly for those who might come to the games but never get close to the pitch, and there couldn't be any better cause for it."

The event helped take the Irish FA's fundraising total for Cancer Fund for Children beyond £180,000, with an ambitious target of surpassing £200,000 by the end of 2026.

Since the partnership began in 2016, the Irish FA and its football family have supported the charity's vital work helping children, young people and families impacted by cancer. 

Daisy Lodge provides specialist therapeutic support, giving families the opportunity to spend valuable time together away from the pressures of treatment and everyday life. 

The funds raised will help Cancer Fund for Children continue delivering practical and emotional support to families when they need it most. 

The relay followed a special Cancer Fund for Children takeover at Northern Ireland's UEFA Nations League fixture against Hungary in September, where children supported by the charity enjoyed the unforgettable experience of being matchday mascots.

Families were also welcomed for special matchday experiences, including player meet-and-greets, while all profits from the Irish FA's Cancer Fund for Children-themed match programme were donated to the charity.

Together, the two events formed part of the celebrations marking a decade of partnership, highlighting the power of football to create lasting memories while raising vital funds and awareness.

The fundraising continues, and every contribution makes a difference.

To support the Irish FA's fundraising efforts for Cancer Fund for Children, visit our JustGiving page. 

To learn more about the campaign, visit the Road to Daisy Lodge webpage.