Call for volunteers as Navan prepares for Daffodil Day

Yellow will once again brighten the streets of Navan in the coming weeks as the community prepares to “go all in” for Daffodil Day.

Volunteers across the town are gearing up for the annual fundraiser in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, which takes place on Friday, March 20th. Among them is local volunteer driver Mark O’Doherty, who has seen first-hand the difference the charity’s services make to families across Meath.

Navan man, Mark volunteers with the Society’s patient travel service, which provides free lifts to and from chemotherapy and radiotherapy appointments for people undergoing treatment.

“You meet people at a very vulnerable time in their lives,” he said. “For some, the journey to hospital can be long, tiring and stressful. Being able to take that worry away even just the travel means a lot.”

He said many patients rely on the service because they may be too unwell to drive, have no family available during working hours, or simply cannot afford the repeated cost of transport.

“It’s not just about the lift. It’s about reassurance. It’s about knowing someone is there.”

This year alone, an estimated 44,000 people in Ireland will receive a cancer diagnosis. Almost every family has been touched in some way by the disease — a reality that gives Daffodil Day particular resonance in communities like Navan.

Acting CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, Edel Shovlin, said the annual fundraiser remains critical to maintaining essential supports.

“All of our essential services, like free counselling, Daffodil Centres, Night Nursing and patient travel, are fuelled by fundraising,” she said. “It’s thanks to the generosity of the public that we can also fund groundbreaking cancer research to help develop kinder, gentler treatments, with the aim of achieving our ambition of a future where no one dies from cancer.

“The more we raise on Daffodil Day, the more we can do. The more help we can give to children and adults going through cancer, the more lifesaving research we can fund, and the sooner we can ensure all cancer survivors have the support they need to live life to the full. We're all in because you are. Join us this Daffodil Day and help us do more.”

Like many volunteers, Mark has seen friends and family affected by cancer. Volunteering, he said, is a practical way to give something back.

“We need more people in Navan to help out on Daffodil Day,” he said. “Even a few hours collecting in the town can make a huge difference. The more volunteers we have, the more we can raise.

“You don’t have to be a medical professional to make a difference,” he said. “Whether it’s giving a few hours to collect donations on Daffodil Day, organising something in your workplace, or driving patients to appointments every bit helps.”

He is encouraging more people in Navan and across Meath to consider volunteering, particularly as demand for services continues to grow.

“There’s always a need,” he said. “Even a small commitment can have a big impact on someone going through treatment.”

On Daffodil Day, volunteers will be stationed at locations across Navan town centre and surrounding areas, collecting donations and selling daffodil pins a symbol of hope and solidarity for those affected by cancer.

Schools, businesses and community groups are also being urged to take part, whether by hosting fundraising events, wearing yellow, or organising their own initiatives in support of the cause.

Funds raised locally contribute directly to nationwide services, including free counselling for patients and families, Night Nursing care that allows people to spend their final days at home, Daffodil Centres in hospitals providing information and support, and patient travel services like the one Mark volunteers with.

“As a driver, you see the real-life impact of those services,” Mark said. “You see the relief when someone realises they don’t have to worry about how they’ll get to their appointment. That’s what Daffodil Day makes possible.”

Daffodil Day takes place on Friday, March 20th. Those wishing to volunteer, donate or organise an event can find more information at cancer.ie.