Over £10,000 Raised To Help Children With Cancer

Northern Ireland football supporters raised over £10,000 to help children with cancer.

A total of £10,800 was raised through onsite collections during the games at the Fanzone at Titanic Belfast during Euro 2016 and also through ticket sales for last week's homecoming event for the Northern Ireland football team.

Sports Minister Paul Givan was joined representatives of the Irish Football Association (IFA) and Belsonic to present a cheque to the Cancer Fund for Children charity.

Minister Givan said: "The performance of the Northern Ireland team at the Euros was exceptional and the team created history by getting there and qualifying from their group. The players showed their commitment to the jersey and to the Green and White Army who travelled in large numbers to France and also those who came together at home to create a unique atmosphere at the Fanzones.

"The homecoming event, which was supported by my department, resulted in more than £8,300 being raised for Cancer Fund for Children through the sale of tickets for the event."

Irish Football Association President David Martin said: "It was great to have the homecoming event. It was a marvellous occasion. The players really enjoyed it and it once again highlighted the close bond between the players and the fans.

"Of course, it is also great that the event has benefitted the Cancer Fund for Children, which was chosen as the Northern Ireland team's official charity for Euro 2016.

"The members of the squad were all keen to give something back to the community by fundraising to support the charity through various initiatives."

(CD)