Irish Cancer Society needs to raise €30m this year to meet record demand in services

Transport service alone increased by 126% over last five years

Demand for Irish Cancer Society services increased significantly last year, the Society has revealed. The figures come ahead of Daffodil Day, the Society’s flagship fundraiser taking place on Friday 28th March.

The Irish Cancer Society Transport Service, which brings patients to and from cancer treatment across the country, saw a 20 per cent increase in bookings in 2024. Its drivers covered 2.9 million kilometres in 2024, bringing over 2,500 cancer patients to and from their cancer treatments. This sees demand for the service increasing by 126 per cent over the last five years.

The charity also says its free nationwide counselling service saw an increase of eight per cent to over 16,000 sessions. And its Freephone Support Line, which provides confidential advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer, also saw an eight per cent increase in contacts to 10,700. While a further 17,300 conversations took place in the Society’s Daffodil Centres nationwide. Over 6,000 nights of palliative nursing care / end-of-life care were given to over 1,700 patients.

Irish Cancer Society CEO, Averil Power is urging the public go all in against cancer to raise vital funds this Friday 28 March to ensure their vital, free services can continue.

“44,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year in Ireland, and the Irish Cancer Society aims to be there for every one of them," she stated. "But the State provides just 5% of our funding so we need to raise €30m to provide our key services. Daffodil Day is the biggest and most important fundraising event of the year. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference to cancer patients in every corner of Ireland.

“As well as dealing with the increase in demand for our services last year, we also invested over €4m in cancer research. Research means new discoveries, more effective treatments and more birthdays, Christmases, and other precious moments together. By donating this Daffodil Day, you’re fuelling breakthroughs that will save lives.

“Please join us in turning Ireland Daffodil yellow on Friday. By going all in this Daffodil Day, every child and adult with cancer will have a place to turn to, the support they need; and the hope that there will come a day when no-one in Ireland dies from cancer.”

David Wilkins, who is living with a rare incurable cancer, attends counselling in his local cancer support centre in Carlow, funded by the Irish Cancer Society. He says that free counselling, fuelled by funds raised on Daffodil Day, has been a lifeline for him.

“Thanks to the Irish Cancer Society, I have access to free counselling which is a lifeline for me. Counselling continues to have a hugely calming effect on me and gives me the tools to manage everything and to take ownership of my disease.

"It's a wonderful thing to just pour all that pain out on the floor, and out of your head. But, more importantly, my counsellor gives me the tools to help realign my emotional and physical self. They help me get back on track and adjust to the realities of the situation as things change. They're like a management consultant for your head. They are absolutely lifesavers.”

David added: “One counselling session costs €60, so if three people donate €20 on Daffodil Day, that will provide a cancer patient like me with a safe space to open up about their fears and worries. Every donation counts, and every donation makes a huge difference to cancer patients like me.”

The Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day takes place this Friday, 28th March. You can show your support by purchasing a Daffodil Day pin on the day, or donating at cancer.ie or via donations tab in the Revolut app. For more information on Daffodil Day, visit cancer.ie

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