Alchemy Technology Services has announced its sponsorship of the launch event for Rory’s Miles to Mayo, reinforcing its support for a major fundraising initiative in aid of Cancer Fund for Children. The launch will take place from 7:30am to 9:00am on 12th September at The Ebrington Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, ahead of the official start of the challenge.
The breakfast event will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, business leaders, supporters and community representatives from across the region to mark the beginning of the final chapter in Rory Best’s Miles to Mayo fundraising journey. From Derry~Londonderry, former Ireland and Ulster captain Rory Best will set off on a nine-day challenge that will see him captain a team of business leaders walking nine marathons in nine days, covering more than 235 miles across Ireland before finishing in Cong, Co. Mayo.
Rory’s Miles to Mayo is raising vital funds for Cancer Fund for Children, which supports children and young people impacted by cancer, along with their families, across the island of Ireland. The charity provides emotional and social support in hospital, in the family home and at its therapeutic centre, Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, Co. Down, and is currently developing a second Daisy Lodge near Cong, Co. Mayo, due to open in Spring 2027.
This year’s challenge is the third and final chapter in the Miles to Mayo series created by Rory Best, following previous walks in 2021 and 2023 and the related 26 Mountains to Mayo campaign in 2025. Participants in this year’s walk have each committed to raising a minimum of £/€50,000 to support vital services for children and young people impacted by cancer.
Approximately 10 children and young people aged 0 to 24 are diagnosed with cancer each week across the island of Ireland, and Cancer Fund for Children’s mission is to ensure they do not face that experience alone. Through fundraising campaigns such as Rory’s Miles to Mayo, the charity can continue delivering support where and when families need it most.
Erin McFeely, Director NI, Alchemy Technology Services, said: “Alchemy is proud to sponsor the Rory’s Miles to Mayo campaign launch breakfast and to support the incredible efforts of Rory Best and everyone taking part in this challenge. As a business with deep roots in Derry~Londonderry, we are delighted to help bring together stakeholders, business leaders and supporters to mark the start of such an inspiring journey. Cancer Fund for Children delivers vital support for children, young people and families impacted by cancer, and we are honoured to play a role in backing that mission.”
Phil Alexander, CEO, Cancer Fund for Children, said: “We are so grateful to the incredible team at Alchemy Technology Services for getting behind our third and final Rory’s Miles to Mayo challenge. When we were developing the route for this campaign, we knew we wanted to include Derry~Londonderry. It’s such a vibrant city and we’re privileged to currently support 22 families who live here. Facing cancer is never easy but with initiatives like this, we can continue to provide vital services to ensure families feel supported.”
The launch breakfast will serve as a key moment to build momentum behind the campaign, recognise the supporters making it possible and send Rory Best on his way from Derry/Londonderry as the challenge begins. There are many ways for the public and business community to get behind the initiative, including donating, sponsoring the team’s efforts and supporting participants along the route.
For more information on the Rory’s Miles to Mayo campaign and Cancer Fund for Children, visit cancerfundforchildren.com
Rory’s Miles to Mayo is generously supported by headline sponsor, Arachas Corporate Brokers, as well as supporting sponsor, Kingsbridge Healthcare Group.