Bernie Frayne McHugh had just made a donation for Daffodil Day when the Westmeath Examiner was passing the Market Square this morning. Dónal Lawlor and John O’Toole were the volunteers on duty at the time.

Daffodil Day volunteers out and about today

Published: Fri 22 Mar 2024, 11:40 AM

Last updated: Fri 22 Mar 2024, 11:43 AM

Daffodil Day is here again and this year the theme is ‘Go all in against Cancer’ on Daffodil Day. This year marks 37 years of Daffodil Day.

Aidan Leahy is volunteering for Daffodil Day outside the offices of the North Midlands Credit Union in Mullingar this morning.

Each year €25 million is required to fund the work and support of the Irish Cancer Society.

Only five per cent of that is provided by the state, and that is why Daffodil Day is such an important event.

Bernie Quinn and Mary Quirke, who has been an Irish Cancer Society member for 37 years, collecting donations at Spar in Rochfortbridge for Daffodil Day.

Last year €5.5 million was raised on the day, a hugely generous response from the Irish public, and a 30% increase nationally on the previous year.

The committee in Mullingar have been busy with plans for the day and report that they are well advanced. With the support of the volunteers, local businesses and traders, they are hoping for a great response from the generous people of the town and its surroundings.

The volunteers will be out at several locations around the town, selling daffodil pins, silks, badges and other items.

As last year, there will be cashless options to donate through tap machines, where a fixed donation can be made using a credit card or mobile phone.

There will also be QR Codes that can be scanned to make contributions.

As a result of the generosity of the public and those who donate privately and raise funds via sponsored events, the Irish Cancer Society are able to provide a wide range of services and supports.

They include counselling sessions, the freephone support line, transports to treatment sessions, Night Nurse care at home and 13 daffodil centres in hospitals nationwide.

Another valuable service that the Irish Cancer Society provide is the Children’s Cancer Support.

Families of children diagnosed with cancer can avail of grants of up to €3,000 to help defray costs, use the therapy room in Crumlin hospital and others at home such as music therapy.

In 2023, the Irish Cancer Society funded more than 30 new research projects and more than 100 researchers across the country.

That means a great deal to those who are diagnosed with cancer as the survival rates are greatly increased thanks to the many research projects.

The local committee extend their sincere gratitude to all for their continued support over the years. Special thanks to “our wonderful volunteers, who are out on the streets year after year, come rain or shine, showing their support and loyalty to a great cause”.

“We look forward to a good day on Friday and hope for a bright and sunny day.”

“The support of the public cannot be underestimated as all the funds go to support cancer patients and their families (locally).”