Gpa teams up with childhood cancer foundation to support irelands fight against childhood cancer
The new association will see Childhood Cancer Foundation become an official charity partner of the GPA with the players’ body helping to support the promotional activity of CCF including the international Light It Up Gold Campaign next September.
Players from counties nationwide have volunteered their services to support the new partnership and will work as ambassadors with CCF both in their communities and to promote national events.
Speaking about the new partnership, GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell said: “The outstanding work carried out voluntarily by Childhood Cancer Foundation is an inspiration to us all and we are privileged to be in a position to support the promotion of their work. The GPA operates a very active Social Responsibility Programme to harness the profile of our members to support good causes in the community and they were hugely enthusiastic about supporting CCF. Players from squads from all over the country have offered their services as ambassadors for the Foundation and we look forward to working together to help raise the profile of this wonderful organisation.”
Mary Claire Rennick of the Childhood Cancer Foundation said: “Partnering with the Gaelic Players Association is a unique opportunity to raise the profile of Childhood Cancer Foundation countrywide through the many awareness initiatives and events to be launched over the coming year. Children with cancer display incredible fortitude and bravery while enduring harsh chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. Through this partnership and support from sporting heroes from hurling and Gaelic football, children battling cancer will be encouraged and strengthened on their road to recovery”.
About Childhood Cancer Foundation
Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCF) is a registered Charity set up by family members of children with cancer. CCF’s website www.childhoodcancer.ie provides useful information on facilities, support services, grants and entitlements for families affected by childhood cancer.
Childhood Cancer Foundation advocates for improved services for children and families affected by childhood cancer and works closely with St. John’s Ward to help fund vital supports for parents and children who are affected by this disease. The charity is currently funding play services on St. John’s Ward Day Unit in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin and has recently announced the funding of a research project within the hospital investigating the benefits of complementary therapies for children and adolescents with a cancer diagnosis.
One in three hundred children will be diagnosed with cancer before their 19th birthday. There are currently over two hundred children under 16 in active treatment for cancer. Treatments are harsh and can cause life long side effects. It is estimated there are over 6000 adult survivors of childhood cancer living in Ireland.
Childhood Cancer Foundation runs the September Light It Up Gold campaign for childhood cancer awareness. During September this campaign coordinates buildings and famous landmarks throughout Ireland to light up gold as part of an international campaign to raise awareness of childhood cancer. There are also several events around the country every September, bringing families affected by childhood cancer together to mark the journey of all our children. These events have been attended by families whose children are in treatment, those who are long finished treatment and those who have, sadly, lost a child to cancer.
Contact details:
Childhood Cancer Foundation, Main Street, Dunboyne, Co. Meath.
T: 01-5545655
www.facebook.com/lightitupgold
twitter.com/lightitupgold
Registered Charity No: CHY 21198