Gary Kelly, was a professional footballer at Leeds United FC and member of the International Irish Squad. He donated three quarters of a million euro (proceeds of Gary’s Testimonial match held 7th May 2002 at Leeds) to a cancer-related project in Drogheda. Many of the local businesses matched Gary’s generosity by donating time, material and labour to the project.
Mandy Weldon, sister of Gary Kelly, died in 1998 through Breast Cancer and the memory of Mandy afforded Gary the opportunity to give something back to the region as a result of his successful career.
A voluntary Board of Trustees was established in 2002 and a Deed of Trust was formed for the registered charity. Premises were sourced in 2003 and renovation work began. All other costs had to be raised through donations, fundraising and sponsorship. The interior design of the centre is of a holistic and organic nature which creates a warm and tranquil atmosphere.
The centre was officially launched on a beautiful summer day, 16th June 2004 by Gary Kelly.
‘We have re-introduced all our services and group activities on-site since July 2022 while limiting numbers in attendance at group sessions, and continuing to observe mask wearing and sanitising routines for the safety of our clients. We will continue to offer our weekly classes via Zoom for the foreseeable future. In 2021 in excess of 6,000 client interventions were provided free of charge with running costs of more than €300,000.00. We expect this number to grow in 2022.
The Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre is not in receipt of ongoing government funding, and so we are indebted to the public and business sector for their continued support.’
Chairperson
Niall Reynolds
Mrs. Audrey Gallen
Mr. Declan Weldon
Ms. Barbara Kelly
Mrs. Marie Thompson
Mrs. Veronica Reilly
Mr Eric O’Cuinn
CHY 15163
CRA Charity Number 20051631
