Irish Cancer Society reports surge in demand as Daffodil Day 2024 approaches

The Irish Cancer Society has reported a sharp increase in demand for its services over the past year, highlighting the growing need for support among cancer patients in Ireland.

The figures were released ahead of Daffodil Day, the Society’s key fundraising event, which takes place on Friday, March 28.

One of the most significant rises was in the Irish Cancer Society’s Transport Service, which provides free transport to and from cancer treatments nationwide.

The service saw a 20% rise in bookings in 2024, with volunteer drivers covering 2.9 million kilometres to bring over 2,500 patients to their appointments.

This marks a staggering 126% increase in demand over the past five years.

Other support services also saw growing demand. The Society’s free nationwide counselling service provided over 16,000 sessions in 2024—an 8% increase on the previous year.

The Freephone Support Line, which offers confidential advice and information, also recorded an 8% rise in contacts, with 10,700 calls received.

Meanwhile, Daffodil Centres located across the country engaged in 17,300 conversations with those affected by cancer, while more than 6,000 nights of palliative nursing and end-of-life care were provided to over 1,700 patients.

Irish Cancer Society CEO, Averil Power, is urging the public to get behind this year’s Daffodil Day to ensure these crucial services 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 said.

“But the State provides just 5% of our funding, so we need to raise €30 million 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 supporting patients directly, the Society invested over €4 million in cancer research last year.

“Research means new discoveries, more effective treatments, and more birthdays, Christmases, and other precious moments together,” Power added.

“By donating this Daffodil Day, you’re fuelling breakthroughs that will save lives.”

David Wilkins, who is living with a rare incurable cancer, is one of the many patients benefiting from the Irish Cancer Society’s support services.

He attends counselling at his local cancer support centre in Carlow, which is funded by the Society. He describes it as a “lifeline.”

“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 take ownership of my disease,” he said.

Wilkins emphasised the impact of donations, explaining that just €60 covers the cost of one counselling session.

“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 on Friday, March 28.

People can support the cause by purchasing a Daffodil Day pin, donating online at cancer.ie, or contributing through the Revolut app.

Anyone with concerns about cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or email [email protected].