Soccer star opens tribute cancer centre
Irish soccer star Gary Kelly opened a cancer centre in his home town of Drogheda today in tribute to his sister who died from the disease.
The Leeds United and Republic of Ireland defender opened the €1.5m centre in memory of Mandy Kelly who died in 1998, at the age of 35, from breast cancer.
Kelly donated almost €1m from his 2002 testimonial match to help fund the centre in the Co Louth town.
He said the memory of Mandy prompted him to put something back from his successful career in soccer.
“I have been very fortunate through my playing career to be able to help in some small way to provide support for people who have been diagnosed with cancer,” he said.
“This centre will provide the support for people with cancer and their families that I dearly wish will be someday available to everyone in Ireland.
“I know Mandy would be proud that I can do this, and I would like to thank everyone who has made a donation to make sure that the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre can be officially opened today.”
Irish Communications Minister Dermot Ahern joined Kelly at the opening of the centre, which will provide counselling, education, information and support to cancer patients and their families.
The centre also offers free holistic and complementary therapies, which are often regarded as part of standard support for patients with cancer.
Kelly’s contribution to the centre was matched by local businesses, while it also received a government grant to provide services for people throughout Ireland.
