Volunteer drivers cover 50,525km for Irish Cancer Society

THE Irish Cancer Society’s volunteer driver service made over 356 journeys - totalling a travel distance of 50,525km – in Mayo last year, undertaken by 46 volunteer drivers.

This is a free transport service available to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments in Mayo General Hospital and University Hospital Galway.

The service allows cancer patients access to free transport to and from their chemotherapy treatments, removing the stress, difficulty and financial burden of travelling at a challenging time. It's a local service, with local drivers driving local patients to and from their treatments.

Local volunteer driver Seamus Moran from Westport said: “I have been volunteering as a driver with the Irish Cancer Society for nearly two years now and I really enjoy helping out in my spare time. I lost my wife to cancer back in 2003 so I have direct experience and some appreciation of what families are going through when they are dealing with a cancer diagnosis and the different treatment plans.

“I have been involved with various cancer charities for about 14 years now. After I retired in 2014 I had some spare time on my hands and I wanted to offer some kind of support and give something back, however small, to people going through cancer. Driving people to their appointments is a very worthwhile thing to be able to do.

“The response from patients is that they are so appreciative of this service and find that it removes one large worry from their mind, especially when they are being challenged by their diagnosis and treatment.

'From a personal perspective, it gives me a sense of satisfaction that I am able to help someone during a difficult phase in their life.”

He added: “Before I became a volunteer I had to complete a training programme and undertake all of the relevant clearance checks so it’s good to know that it’s a very thorough process. I would advise any cancer patients from the Mayo area, or their family and friends, to look in to the service as it could turn out to be a really helpful support to them during a difficult time.”

The service is free to the patient, with volunteer drivers being paid a contribution towards their fuel, all road toll costs and some subsistence during the day.

Anyone who would like to avail of the service or would like further information can ask in their cancer treatment centre or contact the volunteer driver service team on (01) 2310522, email transport@irishcancer.ie or log on to www.cancer.ie.

 

 

Daffodil Day 2017

 

The Mayo Daffodil Day Committee will host their Daffodil Day launch at the Gateway Hotel in Swinford on Wednesday, March 8, at 11 a.m.

Daffodil Day takes place on March 24 and plays a significant role in supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s vital services for cancer patients and their families in Mayo and nationwide, as well as funding collaborative cancer research to find better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer.

2017 marks the 30th anniversary of Daffodil Day and the Irish Cancer Society needs to raise over €3m to provide care, information and support to people affected by cancer. The local Daffodil Day committee are appealing to the public to volunteer to sell daffodils on March 24 and to donate to support people affected by cancer.

 

 

To get involved in Daffodil Day in Mayo contact 1850 60 60 60 or visit www.cancer.ie/daffodilday