€107,000 raised for Boots Night Walk in aid of the Irish Cancer Society

€107,000 was raised in the 2021 Boots Night Walk in aid of the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing service.

The funds will benefit this important service which provides end of life care for cancer patients in their own home. Since the partnership began between Boots and the Irish Cancer Society in 2012, more than €2.2 million euro has been raised for the Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse service, the equivalent of over 6,600 nights of nursing care for families across the country.

Now in its 9th year, the Boots Night Walk is designed to raise both funds and awareness of the critical care provided by the Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses. This year, due to COVID-19 safety measures and to ensure everyone’s safety, Boots Ireland continued to do things a little differently. The Boots Night Walk took place on Monday 6th September where almost 300 walkers from across the country chose the location and time of their 5km walk and we walked together from afar.

The Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses provide in-home care through the night, for cancer patients requiring end-of-life care, whilst also providing rest and respite for the patient’s families. The service is provided free of charge and is an invaluable support to families and their loved ones during what can be a particularly difficult time. The service ensures patients, and their loved ones receive nursing care, practical support and reassurance, keeping the patient comfortable and free of pain.

Campaign Ambassador Muireann O’Connell, Virgin Media TV Presenter, says: “I am so delighted by the amount of money raised and support for the Boots Night Walk. This is an incredible amount of money which will go directly to supporting families around the country most in need of the Night Nursing service.”

Stephen Watkins, Managing Director, Boots Ireland says: “We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making the 2021 Night Walk so special, your support really matters. The Night Nursing service is funded almost entirely by donations, so fundraising initiatives like the Boots Night Walk are vital and make it possible for the Irish Cancer Society to reach people affected by cancer.”

Speaking about the funds raised for the Night Nursing service, Averil Power, CEO Irish Cancer Society, says: “Every year there is a huge demand for the Night Nursing service and with a growing number of families choosing to bring family members home to die, this crucial service is needed more than ever before. We are so grateful to Boots Ireland’s colleagues and customers for their generous support. With thanks to you, the Irish Cancer Society can continue to be there for families across Ireland when they need us most.”