The Odyssey Trust Celebrates 25 Years With £129,801 Raised for Northern Ireland Hospice

Hosted at The SSE Arena, Belfast on Saturday 7 June 2025 as part of The Odyssey Trust’s landmark 25^th anniversary celebrations, Hospice Hockey brought together current and former ice hockey players, local legends, and celebrities for an unforgettable evening of sport and entertainment in support of Northern Ireland Hospice. A star-studded line-up that included legendary Premier League goalkeeper Petr Čech, former Ireland Rugby international Craig Gilroy, New Jersey Devils Head Coach Sheldon Keefe, and iconic Derry Girls actress Jamie-Lee O’Donnell took to the ice at the home of the Belfast Giants for a one-of-a-kind game in aid of Northern Ireland Hospice’s invaluable work.

Founded to oversee the investment and management of Northern Ireland’s Millennium project, The Odyssey Trust comprises The SSE Arena, Belfast Giants, W5 Science & Discovery Centre, and W5 LIFE. For 25 years, it has pursued its charitable mission to enhance social welfare and life opportunities for people across Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Hospice, one of the Trust’s chosen charity partners for 2024/25, was a fitting beneficiary for this milestone year.

Paul McMahon, Chief Executive Officer of The Odyssey Trust, said: “Reaching our 25^th anniversary has given us the perfect opportunity to reflect on everything The Odyssey Trust stands for – bringing people together, creating memorable experiences, and giving back to a community that has supported us for a quarter of a century. Hospice Hockey was the perfect example of that vision in action, and the incredible response from fans, partners, and participants was truly inspiring. It was a celebration of not only our history, but of the values that will continue to guide us into the future. Thank you to everyone who contributed towards this incredible fundraising total – you have helped to make an immeasurable difference to people’s lives across Northern Ireland.”

The fundraising total was made possible thanks to ticket sales, a gala dinner, game night donations and activities, exclusive merchandise, raffles, and the generosity of spectators and corporate partners. The funds will help Northern Ireland Hospice continue delivering specialist palliative care to babies, children, and adults, alongside vital emotional and practical support for families.

Trevor McCartney, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Ireland Hospice, commented: “This is an outstanding achievement. On behalf of everyone at Northern Ireland Hospice, I want to sincerely thank The Odyssey Trust, the Belfast Giants, and every individual and organisation who donated and supported. These funds will directly support our care teams as they deliver expert and compassionate care to those living with life-limiting illnesses.”

For more information about Northern Ireland Hospice or to support the charity’s vital work, please click here.