John Hayes has firsthand experience of the challenges that cancer patients and their loved ones can face.

 

 

 

An advocacy champion 

John sadly lost his wife to cancer 10 years ago. This experience has given him an acute understanding of the emotional and practical issues that can arise when coping with cancer.

Since his retirement, John has been volunteering for a number of different organisations including Special Olympics Ireland and St Francis Hospice, as well as fostering puppies for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. In May 2021, he joined the Irish Cancer Society’s Advocacy Network as the Advocacy Champion in the Dublin West constituency.

“The Irish Cancer Society is a wonderful organisation and it was helpful to me when my wife was ill. We used the Night Nurse service which made it easy for her to stay home at the end. I always felt that I wanted to pay back,” says John, of his decision to become an Advocacy Champion. “I also like trying new things and I thought this would be an opportunity to learn something new and to make an impact.”

Having completed a series of training sessions, John’s role as an Advocacy Champion to date has included meetings with local politicians to discuss pre-budget priorities, advocating for additional funding for cancer services, waiving or reducing hospital parking charges and abolition of In-Patient charges.

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"Anything we can do to try and make it a bit easier for people who have cancer is very rewarding.

John Hayes

"Giving your time is a wonderful thing" 

Patience, a certain diplomacy and the ability to communicate are part of the skillset he thinks are necessary when being an advocate. “You also have to have a passion for the cause,” John says. “I’m frustrated by the way that cancer patients are treated. I know from my personal experience what happens when you get the news that there is cancer in your family, and the devastation that it causes.”

For anyone considering volunteering, John’s advice is to give it a try.

“What I would say to people is don’t hesitate. I have enjoyed volunteering so much and I have met fantastic people,” he says. “Giving your time is just a wonderful thing and people are so appreciative when you do it. Anything we can do to try and make it a bit easier for people who have cancer is very rewarding.”

The Irish Cancer Society is currently recruiting Advocacy Champions to work with closely with our Advocacy Team to ensure that the voices of people with cancer, their families and loved ones are heard at Government level.

Find out more at www.cancer.ie/advocate

 

 

Contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line

If you have worries or concerns about cancer, you can speak confidentially to an Irish Cancer Society Cancer Nurse through the Freephone Support Line on 1800 200 700.

Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm

Roz, Cancer Nurseline

For more information

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1800200700

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