As the most recent statistics show 15 people in Clare being diagnosed with cancer every week, the countdown is on for Daffodil Day on Friday, March 27.
Supported by Dell, this year marks the 28th Daffodil Day, Ireland’s longest running and biggest fundraising day. The society announced a growth in cancer incidence that is sure to have a direct impact on its services; increasing the need for the people in Clare to support Daffodil Day so they can reach their fundraising target of €3.5 million for 2015.
Speaking at the launch of Daffodil Day, John McCormack, chief executive officer, Irish Cancer Society said, “Every family in Clare is touched by cancer, and these new figures confirm that cancer rates are growing. As cancer is increasing, so are our efforts to fight it. As the national cancer charity we are working harder to ensure that every family in need of support in Clare has access to our services. To meet the increased demand for help as more people get and survive cancer we need to raise even more money this year on Daffodil Day.”
Funds raised on Daffodil Day by thousands of volunteers across Ireland go directly to fund the work of the society across support, prevention, research and advocacy. Night nursing is one service funded by Daffodil Day and last year the society was able to fulfil 96% of the requests for such services.
Liam Halpin, general manager, Dell Ireland said, “Dell employs 2,300 people in Ireland and we have campuses in Cherrywood in Dublin, in Limerick and in Cork. Each and every one of these employees have joined the Daffodil Day volunteering army in one way or another and it’s been great to see the momentum across the three campuses grow over the years. This is our fifth year as lead partner of the Daffodil Day campaign. We’re looking forward to a great day of fundraising to ensure the continued services provided by the Irish Cancer Society to people around the country.”
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.