Every 15 minutes someone in Ireland is diagnosed with cancer

Today is Daffodil Day, Ireland’s longest running charity flagship day. Daffodil Day is in its 28th year. The Irish Cancer Society and Dell appeal to people across the country to buy a daffodil and support those affected by cancer in Ireland. Most recent data from the National Cancer Registry show that over 33,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in 2012. This figure shows that approximately every 15 minutes someone somewhere in Ireland hears the words ‘you have cancer’. The Society relies on Daffodil Day for almost a quarter of its annual income and they appeal to the public to support Daffodil Day so it can reach a fundraising target of €3.5 million for 2015.

It’s vital that Daffodil Day reaches its ambitious target in order for the Society to continue to provide services and fund cancer research. Last year, over half a million Daffodils were sold around the country and the Society touched the lives of over 1.7 million people through our services and campaigns. The Society and Dell, lead partner for Daffodil Day, are calling on the public to donate tomorrow, Friday 27th March, by buying a Daffodil or Daffodil Day merchandise on street from sellers nationwide. You can also donate by telephoning CallSave 1850 60 60 60, by texting Daff to 50300 to donate €4*, or by visiting www.cancer.ie to make a secure online donation.

Speaking in advance of Daffodil Day, John McCormack, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Cancer Society said, “We know the impact that the words ‘you have cancer’ can have on someone, and how it can change their lives and the lives of those close to them. Everyone in Ireland is touched by cancer, and when they hear those words – they can and do call us for support. We are there to support people at this dark time in their lives – we are online, we are on the phone, we are in hospitals, homes and cancer support centres around the country. We are counsellors, we are expert nurses, we are researchers, we are there for thousands of people each year. Tomorrow on Daffodil Day we need you. We need you to make a donation. There are so many ways you can do it – but we need you to do it tomorrow, without that support we won’t be able to continue to be there for those with cancer. Together we won’t give up until cancer does – and rain or shine we need your help to do that.”

Funds raised tomorrow on Daffodil Day go directly to fund the work of the Society across support, prevention, research and advocacy. Night Nursing is one service funded by Daffodil Day. This service operates 365 nights of the year, with an average of 20 nurses caring for someone each night. Last year the Society was able to fulfil 96 per cent of requests for a night nurse. 75% of cancer patients wish to die at home surrounded by family, yet only 25% get to do so. The Irish Cancer Society provides the only night time care service for cancer patients in their own homes. In 2014 the Society’s nurses provided 7,800 nights of care to over 1,670 patients and this service is fully funded by the people of Ireland who consistently support the work of the Society.

Mr McCormack continued, “Tomorrow over 3,000 people will be in towns and cities around the country doing what they can for those affected by cancer. They are volunteers giving their time for those who don’t have time to wait for our help. They will be joined by Dell staff, whose three sites in Dublin, Cork and Limerick will go yellow for the day. We know many other clubs, businesses and organisations will be doing what they can to support Daffodil Day too – so do what you can for those affected by cancer tomorrow. To make your donation please buy a pin from one of our street sellers, or donate online, by phone or by text – please don’t delay, we really need your support today.”

Liam Halpin, General Manager, Dell Ireland said, “This is Dell’s fifth year as lead sponsor for Daffodil Day. Dell employs 2,300 people in Ireland and has campuses in Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Each year we work with the Irish Cancer Society to put our people power to the best use for the campaign. On Friday our campuses will be turning yellow for the day, there will be yellow bands playing on site, our employees will join the Daffodil Day volunteering army for street collections and we’ve even got a team abseiling down a building in the centre of Limerick City. We’re really looking forward to Friday and hope everyone will join us in helping raise much needed funds to enable the Irish Cancer Society to continue the great work that they do.”

The Irish Cancer Society’s 28th Daffodil Day, supported by Dell, is tomorrow on Friday 27th March.

Here is how you can support Daffodil Day 2015:

• Buy a daffodil pin, or piece of merchandise from a street seller.
• Make a donation by telephoning CallSave 1850 60 60 60.
• Visit www.cancer.ie and make a secure online donation.
• Text ‘Daff’ to 50300 and donate €4*.

*100% of your €4 goes to the Irish Cancer Society across most networks. Some providers apply Vat where a minimum of €3.26 cent will go to the Society. Service provided by LikeCharity (01-4433890).