Let's go yellow!

Every 3 minutes a person in Ireland get a cancer diagnosis, and in Donegal 986 people were diagnosed with cancer in twelve months. Daffodil Day, proudly supported by Boots Ireland, takes place on March 23rd and is a crucial fundraiser in the fight against cancer.

Letterkenny fundraisers seated from left are Laura Patton, Veronica McAteer and Lorraine McDaid. Back from left Seamus McAteer, Teresa Jennings, Ken Sharkey, Kathleen Mullen, Maureen Sweeney, Susan Kenny, Robert O’Connor, Mary McFadden and Kathleen Sammon. Photo Clive Wasson

Cancer survivors, nurses and volunteers gathered at the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny on Tuesday to get ready for Daffodil Day 2018.

Support for cancer patients is vital according to Sharon O’Connell, a cancer survivor and local Night Nurse who cares for terminally ill cancer patients from Donegal. Sharon urged local people to get involved and fund supports for patients.

She said, “I’ve had the privilege of working as a Night Nurse and caring for cancer patients in Donegal since 2016. This is an invaluable service which enables the patient to stay at home during their final days, surrounded by their loved ones.

“My role is to care for the patient and offer reassurance and support to their loved ones at an incredibly difficult time. Money raised on Daffodil Day will ensure I can continue to provide this crucial care so that families can have this precious time together in the comfort of their home.”

Calling on Donegal to go Yellow this Daffodil Day: From left are Louise O’Brien CSO Boots, Sharon O’Connell, Kevin Barrett, Mary Barrett and Ena Barrett, Irish Cancer Society. Photo Clive Wasson

Last year 170 nights of nursing care were provided for 45 cancer patients in Donegal. In order to provide services to people affected by cancer, the Irish Cancer Society needs to raise €4m nationally on Daffodil Day this year.

Robert O Connor, a volunteer driver, spoke about the service in Donegal and said it was very rewarding to be able to help patients who needed to get to their treatment in Letterkenny University Hospital. A total of 422 journeys were facilitated for cancer patients in Donegal last year.

Ena Barrett ,Community Fundraiser for The Irish Cancer Society. Photo Clive Wasson

Ena Barrett, breast cancer survivor and local Community Fundraiser for The Irish Cancer Society, urged local people to show their support for people in Donegal affected by cancer.

“People of Donegal have been instrumental in raising funds to help people affected by cancer, and we hope to see another show of support on March 23rd this year. As cancer incidence increases, your support is needed more than ever before to ensure no one in our community faces cancer alone.

“Volunteer to sell Daffodils, or simply buy a Daffodil on March 23rd and make a difference to the lives of cancer patients and their families,”she said. She stressed the need for more people to come forward to volunteer on the day to relieve the pressure on existing local organisers.

Volunteers calling on Donegal to go Yellow this Daffodil Day. Photo Clive Wasson

Falcarragh fundraiser launched: From left are Louise O’Brien CSO Boots, Sharon O’Connell, Kevin Barrett, Mary Barrett and Ena Barrett, Irish Cancer Society. Photo Clive Wasson

Dunfanaghy fundraisers at the Daffodil Day launch are Joelene Barton, Boots, Roberta Merrick, Ena Barrett ,Community Fundraiser for The Irish Cancer Society, Wilma Merrick and Louise O’Brien, CSO Boots. Photo Clive Wasson

Derrybeg fundraisers at the launch are Ellie McTaggart, Kathleen Gallagher, Mina Diver, Ena Barrett, Marie Hickey and Roisin McCafferty. Photo Clive Wasson

Twin Towns Daffodil Day fundraisers: At the launch are Joelene Barton, Boots, Kathleen Gallagher, Ena Barrett, Irish Cancer Society , Eileen Tourish and Louise McDaid, Boots. Photo Clive Wasson

Boots Ireland is the official main sponsor of Daffodil Day and stores in Donegal will be getting involved.
Louise O Brien, CSO with Boots Ireland said: “Boots Ireland and the Irish Cancer Society have been working together for five years now to improve the lives of those affected by cancer. Cancer affects so many people in the community so supporting this initiative has real meaning for us and we want to continue to help make a difference to the lives of cancer patients and their families.

“We are looking forward to going one step further by sponsoring this flagship fundraising day and hope the people of Donegal will show their support for those affected by cancer on March 23rd.”

Louise highlighted the services available to cancer patients at Boots Store in The Retail Park, Letterkenny and thanked the staff for attending the launch.

Helen O Driscoll, Health Promotion and Cancer Screening Advisor was recently appointed by The Irish Cancer Society, Helen is based in Donegal and covers counties Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Cavan.

She said she is looking forward to getting to know the people in the area and to working with individuals and groups to promote improved healthy lifestyles and increase screening amongst the people of Donegal.

To get involved in Daffodil Day in Donegal contact Ena Barrett on 087 7381055. For more information visit www.cancer.ie/daffodilday