Cork father and son heading to Africa on a malaria prevention mission
Cork City FC academy member Finn Dalton (16) and his father Brian will travel to Africa later this month as part of a humanitarian expedition with the Kingsley Holgate Foundation.
A transition year student, who is a star player with the Cork City FC Academy, and his father are heading to the Namibian/Angolan border as part of a two-week humanitarian expedition.
Finn Dalton, a student at Christian Brothers College in Cork City, and his father Brian will join a group of seven other students and their fathers, who will be joining the Kingsley Holgate Foundation mission which is focusing on malaria prevention, right to sight and conservation.
Finn’s footballing prowess will come in useful in a soccer-mad continent as he has said he will be using a sporting analogy to highlight the importance of malaria prevention measures.
His plan is to hand out mosquito nets which can be used to catch the malaria-bearing insect. The role of the mosquito net is to protect the family from malaria.
The Cork City player will also be handing out 55 jerseys donated by the club at a community celebration which will feature a match between local youngsters, recruits to City’s ‘Rebel Army’.
Finn described the efforts of the Kingsley Holgate Foundatioin in some of the poorest areas in Africa as carrying out ‘incredible work’.
“I am really looking forward to helping out as we try to educate people on the importance of malaria prevention,” he said. “We will also be helping those with poor eyesight by doing tests and providing them with glasses to help improve their quality of life.
Head of Cork City FC Academy Liam Kearney said the club was delighted to support Finn as he embarked on what he described as ‘undoubtedly a life-changing experience’.
“Finn has demonstrated exceptional skills and determination both on and off the pitch and we are confident that he will use his talents to help improve the lives of those in need.”
The group is raising vital funds for the Kingsley Holgate Foundation to purchase mosquito nets, food and glasses and for a school in Uganda called the HELP School.
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