First and Deputy First Ministers at Daisy Lodge

First and Deputy First Ministers at Daisy Lodge

1 October 2025

THE First and Deputy First Ministers visited the Cancer Fund for Children’s Daisy Lodge facility at the foot of the Mournes last week.

Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly meet with staff and service users with their visit coinciding with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

During a tour of the purpose-built therapeutic centre — which provides short breaks for families affected by cancer — the Ministers thanked the Cancer Fund for Children for its amazing work.

In addition, they praised the positive difference the therapies and support offered at Daisy Lodge make to the lives of children, young people and families.

The Stormont ministers also met met with Sophie, a young ambassador for the cancer charity who visited Daisy Lodge during her own cancer experience.

“To mark Childhood Cancer Awareness month we wanted to highlight the invaluable work being done by Daisy Lodge which supports and therapies to families and their children who are going through the most difficult times of their lives,” said Ms O’Neill.

“The fantastic range of facilities offer families the chance to 

unwind and be together. While the dedicated staff are on hand to provide care and compassion to young people like Sophie who has told us how much Daisy Lodge has helped her.”

Mrs Little-Pengelly said she can only imagine how difficult is it for families when a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer.

“But listening to Sophie talk about her own experience was a reminder of just how vital the services available at Daisy Lodge are.

“The staff here go above and beyond for the families spending time here, offering them some much-needed comfort and practical support in a range of ways during their time of need.”

The cancer charity’s chief executive, Phil Alexander, said it was great to have the First and Deputy First Ministers visit Daisy Lodge.

He said they saw at first-hand how the purpose-built facility supports families in the local community, Northern Ireland and beyond.

He added: “Every week in Northern Ireland, approximately three children and young people aged between 0 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer. 

“Therapeutic short breaks give these children and their families a space where they can reconnect and get away from the world of cancer, for even just a little while.”