Offaly man calls on community to go all in against cancer

Birr native Brendan Hanamy, an Irish Cancer Society volunteer driver, has called on the the local community to lend a helping hand in the fight against cancer on the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day, which takes place on Friday, March 20.

A retired primary school principal who worked across the midlands in his career, Brendan has been a volunteer driver for the past two years since retiring.

Brendan said:“There isn’t anybody in Ireland who hasn’t had somebody in their life impacted by cancer, whether they are a survivor themselves, know somebody who has come through it or have lost somebody. I first heard about the Irish Cancer Society’s volunteer driving on local radio and because I have had people close to me affected, I kept it in the back of my mind as something I’d come back to in retirement. Now, I’m a volunteer driver the last two years and I’ve completed nearly 40 drives.”

The Offaly man described the role as “incredibly rewarding”.

“It allows you to be able to give a little bit of comfort to somebody undergoing life-saving treatment by picking them up and dropping them to their appointment. The Patient Travel Service is a lifeline to people who need a lift to treatment, and it is only possible because of the generous donations of the Irish public each and every Daffodil Day,” he said.

“Every euro raised on Daffodil Day is crucial and makes a real lasting difference, fuelling life-changing cancer research and vital support services. I would encourage everyone to please get out there on Daffodil Day and show support for those affected by cancer across Offaly and the midlands area.”

Thanks to the generosity of the public, the Irish Cancer Society invests in cancer research and delivers crucial free support services for people affected by cancer, throughout Offaly.

In 2025, the public's support helped provid around 260 free lifts to bring Offaly-based cancer patients to their treatment, over 250 free counselling sessions for people living in Offaly, almost 200 nights of free night nursing care to allow cancer patients in Offaly to pass away at home surrounded by loved ones, and helped cancer nurses to have over 175 conversations with people from Offaly on its Support Line and Daffodil Centres

Irish Cancer Society Acting CEO Edel Shovlin said: “Cancer doesn’t wait - and neither can we. This year, thousands of people in Ireland will hear the words, ‘You have cancer’. Behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, a future suddenly filled with uncertainty. But this Daffodil Day, there is also determination, compassion and groundbreaking research driving real progress. Daffodil Day 2026 is about turning solidarity into action. The funds raised don’t just support vital, life-changing cancer research. They provide immediate, practical help for people facing cancer right now. From free counselling and transport to treatment, to night nursing care that allows someone to spend precious time at home, the support makes an extraordinary difference.”

She added that it is anticipated for communities across Offaly, and throughout Ireland, to once again come together to paint the country yellow.

“We will stand shoulder to shoulder with patients and their families. But we need this to be our biggest Daffodil Day yet. When you donate or get involved, you’re not just giving money - you’re giving comfort, hope and time. Together, we can ensure that no one in Ireland faces cancer alone,” she said.

For more information about Daffodil Day visit www.cancer.ie/daffodilday