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Maura and Emer enjoy tea at Áras
an Uachtaráin
22.07.15
A CHILDHOOD cancer
charity has had its work recognised by President
Michael D Higgins during a visit to Áras an
Uachtaráin.
Maura Toner from Inch Island and her daughter Emer,
joined Virginia Murray from Letterkenny and her
daughter Ciara at the President’s special summer
garden party event. They were also joined by Alice
Rennick and her mother Mary Claire from County Meath
and Niamh Richard from Dublin with her mother Aine.
The volunteers are all founding members of Childhood
Cancer Foundation whose overarching mission is to
spread awareness of childhood cancer. |
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Volunteers and founding members of
the Childhood Cancer Foundation pictured at the
President’s Summer Garden Party were from left:
Virginia Murray, Sabine Higgins, President Michael D
Higgins, Ciara Murray, Niamh Richard, Emer Toner and
Alice Rennick. Back row from left: Maura Toner, Aine
Richard and Mary Claire Rennick. |
Maura, whose 8-year-old
daughter Emer is in remission from Stage 4
Neuroblastoma, said it was a huge honour and boost
for volunteers working with the charity to have
their work recognised by The President.
“Childhood Cancer Foundation has only been in
existence for a few years, so it is was a terrific
boost to everyone involved to receive this
invitation from President Higgins and his wife
Sabina," she said.
"By spreading awareness of childhood cancer, the
difficulties of treatment, the death of at least 20%
of those affected and the long-term side effects
faced by survivors, we hope to change attitudes
towards childhood cancer.”
To that end, Maura explained that the four children,
who are all cancer survivors, presented President
and Mrs Higgins with gold awareness pins, the
international symbol of childhood cancer awareness.
Childhood Cancer Foundation currently funds the
salary of the play specialist on St John's Day Ward,
Crumlin. It is also funding a medical research
project into the benefits of complimentary therapies
for children.
Childhood Cancer Foundation pins will be sold at
various locations around Donegal in the coming weeks
and details will be available on the charity’s
facebook page
www.facebook.com/lightitupgold . |
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