When I look at where I’ve been and where I am now, I'm just thankful I can help'

Ashbourne woman and breast cancer survivor, Marie Gaughan is calling on her local community to go all in against cancer for the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day, which takes place on Friday, 20th March.

Marie (70) was diagnosed with breast cancer just before Christmas in 2002. She had a business, a children’s boutique, and had to close it due to her cancer treatment.

Reflecting on her cancer experience, Marie said: “I was 46 with three teenage children when I was diagnosed. I remember telling them that I had cancer and that everything was going to be OK. Even though I didn’t know that myself at the time! Thankfully I got through my surgery and treatment and have been healthy since.

“I have volunteered with the local Daffodil Day committee in Meath for the past 12 years. It’s a great group of men and women. Everybody pulls together. There are so many people locally who have lost loved ones to cancer. I felt like I needed to help and do something in some way. When I look at where I’ve been and where I am now, especially as you grow older, you’re thankful that you can help. "

She added that every euro raised on Daffodil Day is crucial and makes a real lasting difference, fueling life-changing cancer research and vital support services. "I would encourage everyone to please get out there on Daffodil Day, March 20th, and show your support for those affected by cancer in your local community. It’s an amazing feeling when you’re collecting on the day. You feel thankful and full of gratitude.”

The Irish Cancer Society is there to ensure that every person affected by cancer has a place to turn to, the support they need and the hope that there will come a day when no one in Ireland dies from cancer.

Thanks to the amazing generosity of the public the Irish Cancer Society invests in ground-breaking cancer research and delivers crucial free support services for people affected by cancer, throughout Meath.

Last year in Meath, the generous support of the public provided over 2,280 free lifts to bring Meath-based cancer patients to their treatment , as well as over 460 free counselling sessions for people living in Meath.

Funds raised also helped provide over 245 nights of free night nursing care to allow cancer patients in Meath to die at home surrounded by loved ones and during 2025, cancer nurses had over 565 conversations with people from Meath on their Support Line and in their Daffodil Centres .

Irish Cancer Society CEO Nikki Gallagher said: “Cancer doesn’t wait — and neither can we. This year, thousands of people in Ireland will hear the words, ‘You have cancer’. Behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, a future suddenly filled with uncertainty. But this Daffodil Day, there is also determination, compassion and groundbreaking research driving real progress.

“Daffodil Day 2026 is about turning solidarity into action. The funds raised don’t just support vital, life-changing cancer research — they provide immediate, practical help for people facing cancer right now. From free counselling and transport to treatment, to Night Nursing care that allows someone to spend precious time at home, your support makes an extraordinary difference.

“Communities across Meath and throughout Ireland will once again come together to paint the country yellow — standing shoulder to shoulder with patients and their families. But we need this to be our biggest Daffodil Day yet. When you donate or get involved, you’re not just giving money — you’re giving comfort, hope and time. Together, we can ensure that no one in Ireland faces cancer alone.”