Derry retailer celebrates 15 years of charity partnership with £2.2 million fundraising milestone

Owners of a Derry EUROSPAR have played an important role at a celebration event to mark a milestone £2.2 million in fundraising by EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA stores in Northern Ireland for Cancer Fund for Children.

And it was a double celebration at the charity’s therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge, as guests celebrated 15 years of the charity partnership, which was formed in 2011 and has become the longest running for both the charity and Henderson Group which owns the brands in Northern Ireland. 

Oonagh and Pearce Kelly attended the event, representing their teams from their Ráth Mór store, as well as their Maghera and Moneymore EUROSPARs, who have gotten behind Pearce’s many fundraising initiatives for the charity, all while creating store activations over the years to top up their donations, which have reached over £100,000.

Pearce spoke at the event, representing the 97 EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA stores that have embraced the partnership and pushed fundraising efforts to make this milestone. On behalf of the retailers, Pearce spoke of his respect for the services the charity provides for young people and their families across Ireland and the drive he has to continue to fundraise for Cancer Fund for Children.

Speaking at the event, Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director at Henderson Group, which owns the brands in Northern Ireland said this partnership was unique and showed true passion and dedication from each and every retailer, staff member and shopper who gave their time, energy and donations over the years.

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Paddy commented; “Reaching this incredible milestone, just six years after reaching the one-million-pound target, speaks to the commitment of our EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA retailers, teams and shoppers, who have made the Cancer Fund for Children partnership part of their daily life in-store.

“Many retailers have their own reasons for supporting this incredibly deserving charity, many know families who have had to navigate a cancer journey, yet no matter the reason, they all want to make an impact and use their network to do great things.

“We are very proud of the longevity of this partnership. It is quite rare to have a corporate fundraising partnership that has continued for 15 years, however it shows that measurable and lasting change means so much more than short term wins for all involved, most of all Cancer Fund for Children.”

Keith Orr was diagnosed with gastric cancer in December 2023. Husband to Anne and father to Gareth (20) and Daisy (17), Keith sadly died in August 2024, just eight months after his diagnosis. Anne says the support provided to Daisy throughout Keith's treatment and following their bereavement was "invaluable."

Anne commented; “Our Cancer Support Specialist Paul supported Daisy at home during Keith’s last months. Paul’s sessions were an incredible support to Daisy, and Paul always made time to support me too.

EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA retailers and team members alongside colleagues from Henderson Wholesale are pictured at Daisy Lodge with Cancer Fund for Children staff to celebrate 15 years of the partnership which has raised over £2.2 million.

“Daisy completed Cancer Fund for Children’s ‘Say Their Name’ programme, which provides group support to children bereaved of a parent, and as a mum, knowing she has been guided in how to process her grief has been invaluable.

“The support we have received as a family has encouraged us to talk openly about our grief and given us space to share Keith’s story with pride. Thank you to everyone at EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA for helping Cancer Fund for Children walk alongside families like ours.”

Phil Alexander, CEO at Cancer Fund for Children added; “The Orr family are one of thousands of families that our charity has supported over the years, support that simply wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of our corporate partners. We are blown away to reach this incredible fundraising milestone with EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA and it’s a pleasure to have Anne and Daisy share their experience of support in recognition of the impact these vital funds have had.

“Our partnership with EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA has created incredible opportunities for Cancer Fund for Children to provide vital services to families coping with a cancer diagnosis, as well as those experiencing bereavement. When our partners care as deeply about this support as we do, it creates the most powerful partnerships. We look forward to continued collaboration with their retailers, their teams and all their generous shoppers in the years ahead.”

As part of the celebration event, a new Enchanted Daisy Trail was unveiled, an all-new guided trail in the gardens of Daisy Lodge, which brings additional activities for young people to enjoy during their stay or visit to Daisy Lodge.

Jordana Stoney-Wilson, Partnership and Philanthropy Executive at Cancer Fund for Children added; “The enchanted fairy trail offers young people a safe and imaginative escape from the real world, somewhere that feels magical rather than medical. The trail has several touchpoints which will encourage mindfulness and calm and offer families shared moments of joy and connection.

“That can mean everything when your world has been turned upside down with treatments and hospital visits. We are so grateful for the support of every person who has supported this partnership, which not only funds short breaks here at Daisy Lodge, but also allows our charity to provide vital support to families across Northern Ireland in hospital and in the community, ensuring no child faces cancer alone.”