The people of Drogheda have been keen supporters of Daffodil Day for over 30 and this Daffodil Day, March 22, they will be among the first in the country to have the opportunity to donate with a tap of their bank card.

Volunteers will be out in force throughout the town collecting for the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day on Friday next, raising crucial funds for cancer patients and their families.

Traditionally volunteers selling daffodils could only accept cash donations, but this year a number of volunteers will be carrying SumUp Air units, offering the public a quick and hassle-free way to donate using their bank card, Apple or Google pay.

The units will be available to use at locations around the town and users can enter their pin or simply tap their card to make a donation.

Money raised will help the Society meet growing demands for its services as the number of people diagnosed with cancer increases annually.

The Irish Cancer Society are determined to be there for everyone who needs support, but with the number of people getting cancer at a record high, not everyone is getting the support they need.

By supporting Daffodil Day on March 22, members of the public can ensure families in Drogheda get the help they need to face cancer. Services include Night Nursing, a service that supports terminally ill cancer patients to stay at home during their final days.

Last year terminally ill cancer patients in Louth received 260 nights of care, allowing them to remain at home during their last days.

Local Night Nurse Joanne Mulvihill said of her work: “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. Donations on Daffodil Day make this possible.” 

Local volunteer Lizanne Allen, who has been volunteering on Daffodil Day since it began 32 years ago, said, “In Drogheda we go all out every year to turn the town yellow and raise as much money as we possibly can to help those facing cancer.

“Every family has been touched by this disease, so it’s a cause close to all our hearts. People locally are always very generous in their support of Daffodil Day and give what they can to ensure that every cancer patient in Drogheda can get the care and support they need.

“We are delighted that SumUp, in partnership with Visa Ireland, have donated the units to us and that the people of Drogheda can donate to volunteers with a quick tap of their bank card and help ensure no one has to face cancer alone.”

Boots Ireland is the official main sponsor of Daffodil Day and local stores will be getting involved in the fundraising efforts. Over six years Boots Ireland have raised over €1.4m for the Night Nursing service.

Meanwhile the Drogheda Daffodil Day campaign got off to a flying start this lunchtime with the annual Cheltenham Gold Cup Business lunch where a full house of punters enjoyed a slap up lunch and watched all the action from Cheltenham with representatives from Bar One Racing on hand to handle their bets.