Gillian Creevy and Bronagh Luke

EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA Northern Ireland have this week celebrated reaching their £500,000 fundraising milestone that will benefit local charity Cancer Fund for Childrenwho they have been supporting since May 2011.

Money raised at stores across the province will help the charity provide practical, emotional and financial support to local families whose lives are affected by cancer.

Every year in Northern Ireland another three children, teenagers and young adults aged 0-24 years old are diagnosed with cancer.  Cancer Fund for Children’s team of Specialists work with over 350 families helping them to deal with the issues relating to a cancer diagnosis, providing advice and one-to-one support.

Cancer Fund for Children also offers free therapeutic short breaks at Daisy Lodge their purpose built facility in Newcastle, Co. Down. A short break at Daisy Lodge does not offer a holiday in the traditional sense but is a nurturing place where families can relax and spend precious time together far removed from the busy round of medical appointments, hospital wards and invasive treatments.

The charity’s team of Specialists are there to help families cope with the impact cancer has on their lives supporting them during and after treatment and sadly in some cases, bereavement.

Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing at the Henderson Group owners of the EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA franchise’s in Northern Ireland commented on the milestone achievement;

“We’re so proud to support a wonderful local charity like Cancer Fund for Children. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for families affected by childhood cancer, but by supporting Cancer Fund for Children, we know that we are making a positive difference to the lives of these families, at a time when they most need it.

“We’re delighted to have reached our £500,000 fundraising target and I want to extend a thank you to all our retailers, staff and shoppers for their hard work and support of Cancer Fund for Children which is such an important and worthy charity.”

Gillian Creevy, CEO Cancer Fund for Children said;

“I would like to thank EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA stores in Northern Ireland for their incredible generosity. Cancer Fund for Children provides practical, financial and emotional support in the family home, in the community and hospital ward.

“We understand the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis can have on children, young people and families and rely on donations to ensure that beyond essential clinical care, family life can be supported and rebuilt.

“Our work is about ensuring people don’t have to face cancer alone and with the fantastic support received by EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA in Northern Ireland we can help to ensure that is not the case.

“We could not support our families if it wasn’t for the energy, enthusiasm and creativity of charity partners like EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA and their wonderful customers.  I see first-hand the difference it makes to families nursing a very sick child. We cannot thank you enough for your generosity.”

To find out more about Cancer Fund for Children’s services or how you can get involved, please call 028 9080 5599.