Increased demand for the Irish Cancer Society’s free patient care services

News Article | 08 Feb 2012

The Irish Cancer Society and Dell ask for help to reach this year’s target set at €3.5million

At the launch of the 25th Daffodil Day, the Irish Cancer Society revealed how demand for its free patient care services increased significantly during 2011. The Society and Dell, lead partner for Daffodil Day, today called on the public to help raise the ambitious fundraising target of €3.5m to celebrate Daffodil Day’s 25th birthday on Friday 23rd March.

Funds raised on Daffodil Day by thousands of volunteers across Ireland go directly to providing free cancer information and nursing services. This includes the Society’s free home based night nursing service to seriously ill cancer patients. Irish Cancer Society night nurses provided over 8,000 nights of care to 2,014 patients in their own home across Ireland in 2011. This was an increase of nearly 13% since 2010.

Daffodil Day also helps fund the Irish Cancer Society’s flagship Cancer Information Service, including the National Cancer Helpline (Freefone 1800 200 700). In 2011 cancer specialist nurses on the Helpline responded to 22,120 enquiries, an increase of over 900 enquiries from 2010.

Speaking at the launch, John McCormack, CEO, Irish Cancer Society said, “This year marks the 25th Birthday of Daffodil Day, and since it began in 1988, we have seen a massive increase in the demand for our services due to the ever increasing incidence of cancer. Now, more than ever, the services we provide are crucial. The money we raise on Daffodil Day goes directly to support people with cancer and their families at every stage of the cancer journey. We are also very grateful to Dell for continuing to provide its support to this important fundraising campaign”, he said.

Ireland’s cancer rate is one of the highest in the world. One in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime and it is estimated by 2020, 43,000 new cases will be diagnosed. These stark figures mean that the funds raised on Daffodil Day are essential if the Society is to continue to meet the demand for its range of free nationwide patient care services.

Mr. McCormack continued, “This year we are asking every community in Ireland to join us in celebrating Daffodil Day reaching its 25th birthday and to help us reach our target of €3.5m. We need people to show solidarity and support for people and families across the country affected by cancer so that we can continue to meet their needs in 2012”.

In 2010 Dell Ireland became the Irish Cancer Society’s lead partner for Daffodil Day for a three year period until 2013. In addition to providing financial support Dell’s 2,300 employees 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.

Also speaking at the launch, Caroline Grant, HR Director, Dell Ireland said: "Dell is delighted to continue our support for the Irish Cancer Society and Daffodil Day – a day when the country unites behind a common cause in support of people with cancer. We have worked closely with the Irish Cancer Society to help ensure that this year’s event is the most successful ever. This has been a fantastic partnership for us as it has been an opportunity for our teams in Dublin and Limerick to work together for a cause that is close to many people’s hearts. We are delighted that we have also been able to tap into our team’s technical capability and creativity to add a number of additional social media activities and consumer campaigns to enrich the campaign even further and hopefully, to help raise additional funds as a result.”

The Irish Cancer Society’s 25th Daffodil Day will take place across the country on Friday 23rd March and this year it’s even easier than ever to get involved, there’s something for everyone.

How you can support Daffodil Day 2012: