Children’s cancer charity Cancer Fund for Children has recruited a Cancer Support Specialist in Galway.
Rachel Duffy, originally from Roscommon but now living in Bearna Galway, will provide informal therapeutic, social and emotional support to children diagnosed with cancer, their siblings and families in Galway and throughout the West of Ireland.
Rachel has two years’ experience as a community nurse in the West of Ireland and formerly worked as a paediatric nurse in Ireland and abroad.
Speaking about her new role, Rachel said that spending time with children and young people is one of her favourite things to do.
“I’m delighted to be in a role where I can help and support them and their families during a very difficult time,” she said.
“I think Cancer Support Specialists in the community are so important to families and children as it allows them to access support from the comfort of their own environment and means they don’t have to travel.
“I’m also so happy to be joining Cancer Fund for Children at such an exciting time as they expand their vital services across the island of Ireland.”
This news comes shortly after the charity launched Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo, an epic 300 km endurance challenge which will help fund the expansion of their services across the island of Ireland.
From 16 to 25 May, former Ireland and Ulster Rugby Captain Rory Best will be walking from Dublin to Mayo to help Cancer Fund for Children build Daisy Lodge in Cong, Co. Mayo, a therapeutic short break centre for children and families impacted by cancer.
Rory’s route will take him through Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Galway & Mayo. He will be arriving in Galway on Wednesday 24 May, – the 9th day of his challenge.
Phil Alexander, CEO of Cancer Fund for Children said that having Rachel join the team is ‘such an amazing development’ and that they ‘can’t wait to support her’ as she builds relationships and provides much-needed support to children and families.
“This role is funded in partnership with the Katie Nugent Fund and we are working with this fantastic organisation to recruit three more Cancer Support Specialists across Cork, Cavan and Westmeath and Dublin in the coming months.”
Find out more about Cancer Fund for Children at www.cancerfundforchildren.com.
You can also get behind Rory’s challenge and help him go the distance this May by visiting www.rorysmiles2mayo.com
