Read others' stories

Hear stories from our volunteers about what it's like to work with cancer patients and the Irish Cancer Society.

Volunteers speak out

"I love working for the Irish Cancer Society! Having moved from the world of Insurance and Finance, I started as a volunteer working on some of the Society’s biggest and most exciting campaigns. From that I secured a paid role working selling Christmas cards and decorations to our loyal supporters and customers. Soon after, an opportunity arose to cover a maternity leave contract as the Supporter Services Manager and I’ve been in that position for a few months now. I’m very proud to say I started out as a Volunteer and secured a management role on the most respected fundraising team in Ireland."

- Jason Jenkinson

"I usually come in at the end of the workshop when all the women have their makeup on and they’ve done their eyebrows and their eyelashes.

"I read about Care to Drive in a newspaper article when the scheme first started and it leapt off the page at me! I had wanted to become a doctor when I was younger but unfortunately it wasn’t to be; Care to Drive was a very practical and useful way I could help people when they are sick. I called the Irish Cancer Society straight away, but at the time they had a full complement of volunteer drivers. They told me they would be in touch at a later date and last Spring I got a call to say that demand for the service had increased, and new volunteer drivers were needed. After some training and a few formalities, I began driving patients, and I absolutely love it. It gives me so much pleasure to help people and to make their lives that little bit easier."

- Mary Bruton, Naas, Co Kildare

I have been a volunteer driver with Care To Drive since it started in St Vincent’s. My mother suffered from cancer for years so it’s nice to feel I’m giving something back. The ICS are leaders in their field and run a professional service. I feel that I’m contributing in a small way to the quality of life of a cancer patient.

- Michael, Dublin

"The poster was up in the local newsagents at home and I decided to give it a try. I’ve  wanted to volunteer for a while but most volunteer work is either very time consuming or just didn’t suit me. The way the Irish Cancer Society works is in a very practical way. I either volunteer for a pick up or I’m called by the office to do a drive. It’s usually once a month so doesn’t impact too much on my time. I pick up my client and bring them to their appointment in Dublin. Then, as I don’t have to be back to pick them up for a couple of hours, I can do some shopping or play a round of golf."

- Gerry, Wexford

"The thing I like most about Care To Drive is the flexibility of the volunteer work. If I’m going to Dublin anyway I can volunteer for a drive. I’m going back to Wicklow anyway so it’s not an imposition. I like the way that everything is done geographically. The office won’t call me for a job that’s a million miles away. The clients usually live locally so it’s not as if it’s out of the way."

- Pamela, Wexford

Find out how you can volunteer for us.