Sporting legends back Rory Best's cancer charity marathon

Sporting legends turned out in force to support the Cork leg of Rory Best's 'Miles 2 Mayo' challenge in aid of a children's cancer charity. The former Irish rugby legend was joined by Cork GAA great Sean Óg Ó hAilpín, Olympic silver medallist Sonia O'Sullivan and Cork Con captain David Hyland for the Cork leg of his national challenge. The event, sponsored by Arachas, a long-standing supporter of Miles 2 Mayo and Cancer Fund For Children (CFFC), will see six business leaders walk nine marathons in the space of nine days. It aims to raise vital funds for CFFC for their respite centre, Daisy Lodge, in Cong, Co Mayo. Arachas managing director (south) Gearoid Fitzgerald will be undertaking the Cork leg of the event alongside Seán Óg Ó hAilpín. Cancer support specialist Mairead Murphy said CFFC provides vital support for the families of children battling cancer. 'I see first-hand the impact a cancer diagnosis in children and young people has on every family member,' she said. 'Through informal therapeutic support, CFFC helps families work through the emotional challenges with the initial diagnosis, the cancer journey and all that comes with it. 'Lead by the individual needs of each young person, we can help give them tools, confidence, and the support they need ensuring they never feel they are facing cancer alone. 'I am very much looking forward to the opening of the new Daisy Lodge in Cong, Co Mayo. It will be transformational to be able to offer therapeutic short breaks to every family impacted by a cancer diagnosis in children and young people across the island of Ireland. 'The commitment shown by Rory Best and the team of business leaders taking on the Rory's Miles 2 Mayo challenge is truly inspiring.' Arachas chief business officer Julie Galbraith is walking the nine marathons in nine days. 'We at Arachas were blown away by the work that they were doing and the support that they were giving to families and young people affected by cancer,' she said after visiting the existing centre in Newcastle, Co Down. 'There isn't enough room in Newcastle to accommodate every family that needs to use it, so the aim is to build another centre in Cong, Co Mayo. They're a good way through with that, and this walk will really just give the final push to get Daisy Lodge in Mayo built.'