Public urged to show support for Daffodil Day

People are urged to support the Irish Cancer Society’s first in-person Daffodil Day in three years, taking place today, Friday, March 25.

For the first time since 2019, communities across Ireland will once again turn daffodil yellow as they take to the streets to raise funds and give hope to cancer patients and their families. However, over the past week the Society has seen large numbers of volunteers side-lined due to the recent surge in Covid-19 cases.

The charity’s flagship fundraiser traditionally sees thousands turn out across the country to fundraise and sell the iconic daffodil pins, but this year there will be fewer people on the streets due to the impact of the current Covid-19 situation on volunteer numbers.

Each year almost 45,000 people in Ireland hear the words ‘you have cancer’. Over 9,000 people will lose their lives to the illness each year. Meanwhile, 200,000 cancer survivors in Ireland are living beyond cancer. The Irish Cancer Society provides advice, support and practical help for anyone affected by cancer. None of this would be possible without the support of the Irish public on Daffodil Day.

Rebecca Duffy (22), from Co Westmeath, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last January, is among those urging people to support Daffodil Day so that these vital supports can continue.

She said: “I called the Irish Cancer Society’s Support Line one afternoon when I was really anxious and they were brilliant, they offered me free counselling sessions.

“Having someone to talk to and share with is a huge weight off your shoulders, there is always someone there to listen – you will never be fully alone. It is so good to know those free resources are available when you need them. Please support this Daffodil Day so anyone affected by cancer can get the valuable support they need.”

Speaking on Daffodil Day, Irish Cancer Society CEO, Averil Power, added: “Every day cancer takes so much from so many families. We are delighted to see the people of Ireland rally together once again in solidarity with those affected by cancer. Unfortunately, due to the latest wave of Covid-19, we have also seen a significant drop off in volunteers across the country.

“Many of our volunteers had been preparing over the last few weeks and were excited to finally get out there in person once again only to have to step down. This has been incredibly disheartening for so many of our volunteers who put their all into this day and have not been able to mark it in person since 2019.

“The safety of our community is paramount and we have made every effort to make sure that there are lots of ways to get involved with Daffodil Day both in-person and online so we’re urging everyone to support in whatever way they can today.

“This is our most important fundraising event of the year and the money raised goes directly to funding crucial supports including our Support Line, free counselling, our Night Nurses to provide end of life care, and our Volunteer Driver service, taking patients to and from treatment. Along with these services, the money raised on Daffodil Day allows us to support life-changing cancer research.

“By donating at www.daffodilday.ie or supporting our on-street fundraisers today you are helping to ensure that we can continue to be there for anyone who needs it.”

Viewers can also tune in to the Late Late Show on RTÉ 1 at 9.35pm tonight, which will feature Republic of Ireland legend and Irish Cancer Society’s Official Ambassador for Daffodil Day 2022, Mick McCarthy.

Mick will speak about both his parents and the long-lasting imprint they both left on his life on tonight’s show.

Ireland and Leinster pro, Andrew Porter will also shave his head live to raise funds on Daffodil Day. Andrew sadly lost his mother Wendy to cancer when he was just 12 years old.

If you have concerns or questions about cancer, or to learn more about support services available in your area, contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone:1800 200 700

To donate go to www.daffodilday.ie or over the phone on 0818 10 20 30

There will be both cash and contactless options for giving at many street collection locations, and people can also donate via Revolut or in Centra stores nationwide.