Offaly people asked to support Daffodil Day

THE people of Offaly are being asked to support the nationwide Daffodil Day campaign by making a donation to the Society tomorrow (Friday).

People can support this wonderful cause by buying a daffodil or daffodil day merchandise from a volunteer, by phoning CallSave 1850 606060 to donate, or text Daff to 50300 to donate €4 (100 per cent of your donation will go to the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day).

Funds raised on Daffodil Day by thousands of volunteers across Ireland go directly to providing information, care and support to those with, and affected by, cancer in Ireland.

The Society’s Cancer Information Service is a key service funded by Daffodil Day and includes; seven Daffodil Centres based in hospitals nationwide with plans for seven more in the next two years; the National Cancer Helpline (Freefone 1800 200 700), which also includes cancer chat, queries through email and social media; and a suite of booklets and leaflets. The services are free, confidential and available nationwide.

Mark Mellett, Head of Fundraising, Irish Cancer Society said, “We want to see everyone wearing a daffodil pin and show their support for those living with cancer in Ireland. Unfortunately our cancer rates are ever increasing and while we expect over 26,000 people to be diagnosed with cancer this year we estimate that, by 2020, that figure will increase to 40,000. This is due to an ageing and increasing population, and a general neglect of healthy lifestyle behaviours. This is placing a massive demand on our services, which are funded entirely through voluntary contributions.”

Mr. Mellett continued, “We are hoping that the whole country will go yellow and get their daff on! We have volunteers stationed all around the country ready to paint the town yellow and I hope that they get a warm reception from the public. Our volunteers are not paid and many take time off work to volunteer for Daffodil Day because they have been personally affected by cancer – and while the reason so many lend their support to Daffodil Day is an unhappy one – the day itself is a fun, bright and sunny day.”

In 2010, Dell Ireland became the Irish Cancer Society’s lead partner for Daffodil Day. In addition to providing financial support, Dell’s 2,500 employees in Dublin, Limerick and Cork are supporting the campaign by volunteering time and expertise to the Irish Cancer Society in the lead-up to Daffodil Day and on the day itself.

Ireland’s cancer rate is one of the highest in the world. One in three will be diagnosed with cancer during our life-time and it’s estimated that by 2020, 43,000 new cases will be diagnosed. Latest data from the National Cancer Registry (NCRI) shows that nearly 30,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in Ireland in 2011.

The Irish Cancer Society is Ireland’s national cancer charity. Established in 1963, 2013 is our 50th year. The Irish Cancer Society provides information, support and care to those with, and affected by, cancer all over Ireland. Our services are professional, confidential and free of charge. We are almost entirely funded through the generosity of the public and receive less than 5% government funding.