On the first anniversary of Sylvia Coyle’s death, members of her family are urging the public to donate on Daffodil Day, Friday March 23, to fund crucial Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing care for other terminally ill cancer patients.
Every hour a person dies from cancer in Ireland. Over 7,000 nights of nursing care were made possible by donations from the public and companies last year. Sylvia Coyle from Kildare was supported by a Night Nurse at home during her final days. Speaking on Daffodil Day, which is proudly supported by Boots Ireland, Sylvia’s husband John and daughter Alison described the service as invaluable.
“It was Sylvia’s wish to stay at home and the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nurse enabled her to do that. As well as caring for her, Night Nurse Geraldine talked to Sylvia about her worries which was a great comfort to her. Geraldine looked after the whole family. We were lost and she guided us through the very difficult time. She was invaluable to us and so compassionate. This is a vital service and we are asking people to donate on Daffodil Day so that other cancer patients can receive the same excellent care,” they said.
Averil Power, Chief Executive, Irish Cancer Society, reiterated the need for donations. “Record numbers are turning to the Irish Cancer Society for crucial care and support. Only two percent of our funding comes from the State. We are therefore hugely dependent on the generosity of the public on Daffodil Day to fund vital services, such as Night Nursing. Buy a daffodil on March 23 or donate now at cancer.ie and help support more families like the Coyles.”
Bernadette Lavery, Managing Director, Boots Ireland, added: “We are proud to sponsor Daffodil Day this year. Colleagues across our 86 Boots stores in Ireland are joining with Daffodil Day volunteers to play our part in ensuring cancer patients and their families are fully supported. Over the last five years we have proudly raised over €1.2 million for the Night Nursing service, equating to over 3,400 nights of care and we will continue to do what we can to ensure no one faces cancer alone.”
Buy a daffodil on March 23, donate now at cancer.ie/daffodilday or text ‘Daff’ to 50300 to donate €4. (Text costs €4. Irish Cancer Society will receive a minimum of €3.60. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 076 680 5278.)
