Demand for Irish Cancer Society services has surged in the last year, the charity has said ahead of Daffodil Day 2025.
The Society’s flagship fundraiser takes place on Friday 28 March.
With a 20% increase in bookings in 2024, the charity needs to raise €30m to provide key services this year to meet the demand.
In Donegal, the charity’s services range from night nursing to volunteer drives bringing patients to and from chemotherapy, counselling sessions and the support line.
Irish Cancer Society CEO, Averil Power is urging the public go all in against cancer to raise vital funds this Friday 28 March to ensure their vital, free services can continue.
“44,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year in Ireland, and the Irish Cancer Society aims to be there for every one of them. But the State provides just 5% of our funding so we need to raise €30m to provide our key services. Daffodil Day is the biggest and most important fundraising event of the year. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference to cancer patients in every corner of Ireland.
“As well as dealing with the increase in demand for our services last year, we also invested over €4m in cancer research. Research means new discoveries, more effective treatments and more birthdays, Christmases, and other precious moments together. By donating this Daffodil Day, you’re fuelling breakthroughs that will save lives.
“Please join us in turning Ireland Daffodil yellow on Friday. By going all in this Daffodil Day, every child and adult with cancer will have a place to turn to, the support they need; and the hope that there will come a day when no-one in Ireland dies from cancer.”
David Wilkins, who is living with a rare incurable cancer, attends counselling in his local cancer support centre in Carlow, funded by the Irish Cancer Society. He says that free counselling, fuelled by funds raised on Daffodil Day, has been a lifeline for him.
He said: “One counselling session costs €60, so if three people donate €20 on Daffodil Day, that will provide a cancer patient like me with a safe space to open up about their fears and worries. Every donation counts, and every donation makes a huge difference to cancer patients like me.”
The Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day takes place on Friday 28 March. Show your support by purchasing a Daffodil Day pin on the day, or donating at cancer.ie or via donations tab in the Revolut app. For more information on Daffodil Day, visit cancer.ie
Anyone with questions or concerns about cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or email supportline@irishcancer.ie
