A big thank you

The Irish Cancer Society is marking National Volunteering Week by extending a heartfelt thank you to its volunteers in Meath who have donated their time to support the Society and help cancer patients.

Volunteers in Meath, who work across the Society's cancer services and fundraising initiatives, have a vital role in the provision of free cancer information and support services nationwide.

Cancer is a growing concern in Ireland with the latest figures showing that 33,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in Ireland in 2012. Every fifteen minutes, someone somewhere in Ireland hears the words 'you have cancer'.

The support of the public and the Society's local volunteers means the Irish Cancer Society can provide daily care and support to the thousands of people who are affected by cancer.

Receiving less than three per cent of income from government funding in 2013, the Irish Cancer Society relies on public support through donations and volunteering to deliver vital services.

John McCormack, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, said: 'I wish to acknowledge the commitment and hard work of our volunteers in Meath and across the country. We greatly appreciate the time and expertise you selflessly invest into our services and campaigns.'

He added: 'Many of the services of the Irish Cancer Society rely solely on the expertise of our volunteers to provide support for people with cancer, be it in Daffodil Centres providing information and care to cancer patients in hospitals; our volunteer driving service which takes patients to and from chemotherapy treatment; or in communities educating the public about reducing the risk of cancer.'

According to Mr McCormack, it is volunteers who are raising vital funds through campaigns such as Daffodil Day and Paint It Pink or by working in Irish Cancer Society shops, all of which enables us to continue to provide these free services and fund world-class cancer research.

'Many of our services depend on volunteers and these people deserved the deepest gratitude of the Irish Cancer Society and wider society. This National Volunteer Week, we want to tell all of our volunteers that they are making a difference in the fight against cancer, together we won't give up until cancer does.'

To volunteer with the Irish Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.ie.