The Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre is situated in Georges Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth. It is a centre of reflections, retreat and recovery. The centre is a non-referral service and no appointment is necessary.

History
Gary Kelly, a professional footballer at Leeds United FC and International Irish squad 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, died in 1998 through Brest Cancer and the memory of Mandy prompted Gary 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”.

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 16th June 2004 by Gary and the then Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Mr. Dermot Ahern.

Board of Trustees
Chairman; Barbara Kelly.

Directors: Mr. Tom Matthews, Mr. Paddy Dwyer, Mr. Con O'Donoghue

Trustees: Prof. Des Carney, Dr. Joe Cremin, Mr. Tom Matthews, Mr. Paddy Dwyer, Mr. Con O'Donoghue, Mrs. Barbara Kelly, Mrs. Bernadette Kelly, Mrs. Carmel Freeman, Mr. Paul Moore, Mr. Darren Hughes and Mr. Declan Weldon.