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Inishowen urged to support
Daffodil Day
11.03.19
THE Donegal Daffodil
Day committee have appealed for the public’s support
as they prepare to take to the streets on March 22nd
to raise crucial funds for cancer patients.
On average, 1,050 people in Donegal are diagnosed
with cancer annually. The Irish Cancer Society’s
Daffodil Day funds crucial support services for
people affected by cancer and lifesaving cancer
research. Members of the public can volunteer to
sell daffodils on the day or simply buy a daffodil
from local volunteers or their local Boots store.
Last year 51 terminally ill cancer patients in
Donegal received 196 nights of care, allowing them
to remain at home during their final days. In order
to provide the night nursing service and other free
supports, the Irish Cancer Society needs to raise
over €4m nationally on Daffodil Day this year.
Local
night nurse Sharon O'Connell talks about the role
she plays in supporting patients during their final
days, “When I go into a family
home, I am there to support the patient and also
their family members. I do my best to create a
supportive and calm atmosphere at a very difficult
time. Losing a loved one to cancer is heart
breaking. But I’m privileged to hear afterwards from
many families what a source of comfort it was to
spend those precious final moments at home with
their loved one. When I finish my night shift, I go
home knowing I have made a difference to my patient
and their family.” |
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The Daffodil Centre at Letterkenny
University Hospital. |
Public support is
crucial according to local organiser Veronica
McAteer who urged people in Inishowen to show their support on
Daffodil Day.
“People of Inishowen have always been generous in
their support of Daffodil Day but with more people
being diagnosed with cancer we need to ramp up our
efforts to ensure they get the help they need. Not
only will donations fund services like Night
Nursing, but also cancer research to help more
people survive cancer. Please help us by
volunteering to sell daffodils or simply by buying a
daffodil on March 22nd,” Veronica said.
To get involved in Daffodil Day locally contact Ena
on 087 7381055 or for more information visit
www.cancer.ie . |
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