The Irish Cancer Society is calling on the public to go all in against cancer this Daffodil Day amid rising demand for key services

Cancer patient says Irish Cancer Society Transport Service was a lifeline

19 March 2024: Statistics issued today by the Irish Cancer Society show its drivers covered 2.3 million kilometres in 2023, bringing over 2,200 cancer patients to and from chemotherapy treatments. That amounts to a 30% increase last year in demand for the Irish Cancer Society’s Transport Service. 

Demand for other vital services also grew. Interactions with the Society’s Support Line and Daffodil Centres have seen a 31% year-on-year increase. The number of Night Nursing nights, which allow cancer patients to die at home surrounded by their loved ones, also rose in 2023.

Stomach cancer survivor, Jacinta Farrelly from Co. Cavan, who used the Transport Service last year, says it was a lifeline during her diagnosis. Speaking ahead of Daffodil Day, she said:

“The Irish Cancer Society Transport service and its incredible drivers were a lifeline and I’m forever grateful. It was one less thing to worry about when faced with cancer and gave me huge relief both practically and financially. Throughout my chemotherapy, they arranged for a driver to pick me up in the mornings, take me to each appointment and he would be there waiting to take me home whenever I was finished treatment.

If you can support Daffodil Day, please do. It's because of your donations these vital free services exist for people like me and continue to be available for anyone who needs them.”

Ahead of the charity’s flagship fundraising day CEO Averil Power is calling on everyone to go all in against cancer to raise vital funds this Friday, March 22nd.

She said:

“42,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year in Ireland. The Irish Cancer Society aims to be there for every one of them. But the state provides just 5% of our funding. To meet the increasing demand for our services we need to raise over €25million this year. That’s why we need communities across Ireland to go all in this Daffodil Day. Only with your help can we ensure every child and adult affected by cancer gets the support they need.”

Daffodil Day takes place on Friday 22nd March. Collections will take place in towns and shopping centres across the country Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd March. People can get involved or donate at cancer.ie.

Anyone with questions or concerns about cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or supportline@irishcancer.ie