In 2024, the Irish Cancer Society reported a remarkable 20% increase in bookings for its transport service, which is crucial for helping patients reach cancer treatments. This growth signals a 126% rise in demand over the last five years. Additionally, their free counselling service and support line both saw increases of 8%, serving thousands of cancer patients. The CEO emphasized the reliance on public donations for funding, as government support covers only 5%, underscoring the importance of Daffodil Day for raising needed resources.
David Wilkins, who has a rare incurable cancer, attends counselling in his local cancer support centre in Carlow, funded by the Irish Cancer Society. He said free counselling, paid from funds raised on Daffodil Day, has been a lifeline for him. "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."
Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, emphasized the critical need for funding, stating, "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. But the State provides just 5pc of our funding so we need to raise €30m to provide our key services."
The charity reported that its transport service saw a 20 percent increase in bookings in 2024, with drivers covering 2.9 million kilometres, bringing over 2,500 cancer patients to and from appointments, marking a 126 percent increase in demand over five years.
The charity also highlighted an 8 percent increase in our free nationwide counselling service, which provided over 16,000 sessions, alongside a similar increase in the support line, which offered 10,700 calls for confidential advice and information.
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