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NIGHT nurses and volunteer drivers who help make life that bit easier for Kerry cancer patients were out in force at a special coffee morning in the Killarney Towers Hotel today.

Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae joined volunteers at the launch for the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day, which takes place on March 24. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Daffodil Day, which generates crucial funds to help those affected by cancer.

The Killarney Daffodil Day Committee organised this morning’s event at which they were joined by their counterparts from Dingle, Caherciveen, Waterville, Tralee, Kenmare, Castleisland, Castlemaine, Glenbeigh, Sneem, Ballyheighue, Castlegregory, Listowel and Killorglin.

Addressing the gathering also was Eugene O’Sullivan, chairman of the Killarney Daffodil Day Committee and Mark Mellett, head of fundraising, Irish Cancer Society, who urged members of the public to show their support for cancer patients and their families on Daffodil Day.

Speakers also included Kerry Night Nurse Nancy Dineen, who provides care for cancer patients at the end of their life in their own home. Last year 77 cancer patients in Kerry received 369 nights of care through the Society’s Night Nursing service.

Ciaran O’Halloran, who has recently volunteered as a driver with the Society’s Volunteer Driver Service in Kerry, gave an overview of the free service which transports cancer patients to their chemotherapy appointments. In 2016 298 journeys were facilitated for 33 patients from Kerry.

Every three minutes in Ireland a person receives a cancer diagnosis. In order to provide information, support and care to people affected by cancer, the Irish Cancer Society needs to raise €3.98 million this year on Daffodil Day.

Nancy Dineen, Night Nurse from Kerry said: “When I go into a patient’s home I try to bring a sense of calmness, sensitivity, kindness and understanding with caring and comfort for the patients and their loved ones. The relief and reassurance expressed by families in the knowledge that their loved one is comfortable is evidence of the invaluable service of Night Nursing. It is a privilege and honour to be with a patient and family at such a precious time and funds raised on Daffodil Day allow me to do this.”

Eugene O’Sullivan, Chair of the Killarney Daffodil Day Committee, said: “Since 1988 €66m has been raised on Daffodil Day to support thousands of people affected by cancer. People of Kerry have been instrumental in raising these funds and we thank you for your staunch support to date. As cancer incidence increases, we need your support more than ever before to ensure no one in our community faces cancer alone. Please give what you can on Daffodil Day and make a difference to the lives of cancer patients and their families.”

To get involved in Daffodil Day contact 021 484 0597 or visit www.cancer.ie/daffodilday
 

 
Above: Maria Doyle, John Doyle, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae and Sheila Morris.
PICTURE: KONRAD PAPROCKI