SOME of British and Irish rugby’s greatest players were in Newcastle recently for the latest phase in an inspirational project.
1974 British Lions legends, who are all members of the Wooden Spoon charity, visited the new Daisy Lodge complex, developed by the NI Cancer Fund for Children (NICFC) to open a new playroom.
Lions captain, Willie John McBride, was joined by other members of the famous 1974 ‘Invincibles’ side, J.P.R. Williams, J.J. Williams, Phil Bennett, Gareth Edwards and Andy Irvine at the centre close to Tollymore Forest Park.
Daisy Lodge enables the charity to provide free short breaks to up to 500 families per year affected by cancer in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Wooden Spoon is one of the largest funders of respite and medical treatment centres, sensory enhancement therapeutic facilities, specialist playgrounds, sports activity areas, and community-based programmes in the UK.
The1974 Lions are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their famous tour in South Africa and took time out from their busy schedule to visit Daisy Lodge to see for themselves how the donated funds have helped.
Unveiling the plaque at the opening of the playroom, Mr. McBride said they were delighted to be there to see what a difference the money donated has made.
“We cannot cure cancer but hopefully this playroom in this wonderfully relaxing short break centre will make life for children and teenagers battling the disease a bit more bearable,” he said.
Wooden Spoon regional chairman Peter Wood, who was present to oversee the opening of the playroom, added that it was an honour to be able to help young people get the most out of their short break.
Gillian Creevy, CEO of the Cancer Fund for Children paid tribute to the Wooden Spoon charity.
“It’s the gift that will just keep on giving for families facing the devastation of cancer. This playroom will provide endless hours of fun and make a young person’s short break all the more special.”