The Youghal Daffodil Day committee and volunteers held there annual fundraiser today with street stalls in the town selling fresh and silk daffodils, cards, shopping bags etc.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Daffodil Day on Friday 26th March is the Irish Cancer Society’s major fundraising day supporting cancer patient care and information services across the country. It’s a day for all of us to come together and pin a daffodil to the nation, giving hope and support to people affected by cancer in Ireland. Our mission for 2010 is to raise €4 million and we need your support to reach this target.

Up to 30,000 new cases of cancer expected this year and Irish Cancer Society best placed to provide expert advice, support and patient care

Irish public asked to support Daffodil Day on Friday March 26th to reach a target of €4 million

The Irish Cancer Society is calling on the Irish public to go out and buy a daffodil on Friday March 26th when over 3,000 volunteers will be selling fresh and silk daffodils and daffodil pins across the country. All monies raised will be used to fund free patient care services for people going through a cancer journey, from diagnosis right through to end of life care if that is required. For anyone who does not get the opportunity to buy a real daffodil on the day they can log onto www.plantadaff.ie to plant a free virtual daffodil and also make a donation online.

Speaking in advance of Daffodil Day, John McCormack, CEO, Irish Cancer Society said ‘During 2009, our specialist cancer nurses supported over 19,000 callers to our National Cancer Helpline. Our night nurses provided care to 1,700 people who were being looked after at the end of life at home, across the country. We funded hospital based eighteen oncology liaison nurses. We provided financial aid to the value of €700,000, we provided 1,600 sessions of counselling and we provided over €100,000 worth of grants to local cancer support centres providing emotional care and support to people affected by cancer.”

“But the pressure and demand for our services is increasing year on year especially in the wake of ever increasing cancer numbers. Approx 30,000 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Ireland in 2010 and cancer will affect one in three of us during our lifetime.  New cancer cases are expected to reach over 43,000 new cases in the year 2020. We see ongoing and significant advances in screening, early detection and treatment but still approximately 8,000 people will die from cancer in 2010 and cancer is responsible for 25% of all deaths every year,” continued Mr McCormack.

The Irish Cancer Society’s 23rd Daffodil Day will take place across the country on Friday 26th March and all monies raised will go towards growing the Society’s direct patient care services, including the National Cancer Helpline (Freefone 1800 200 700), the night nursing service, oncology liaison nursing, financial aid, counselling and literature.

The Irish Cancer Society is also planning to significantly expand its Cancer Information Service by establishing up to five Daffodil Centres in a range of hospitals nationwide, including designated cancer care centres, regional hospitals and private hospitals, in 2010.

Daffodil Centres are an extension of the Irish Cancer Society’s existing Cancer Information Service (which includes the National Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700) and will be located strategically within the hospital to make them visible and accessible. An experienced cancer nurse, funded by the Society, will run these Centres and will be supported by trained volunteers. The nurse and volunteers will address the information and support needs of those concerned about cancer, through listening, providing information and advice and accompanying people to appointments or treatments as necessary. The Irish Cancer Society’s first and pilot Daffodil Centre was opened in Galway University Hospital in July 2009.

* To donate to Daffodil Day, CallSave 1850 60 60 or visit www.plantadaff.ie