Irish Cancer Society Provides Crucial Support with 30,000 Free Lifts to Treatment

The Irish Cancer Society provided almost 30,000 free lifts to cancer treatment centers in 2025, alongside over 14,300 free counseling sessions and nearly 6,000 nights of end-of-life night nursing, according to a report to be published on Monday, March 16, 2026. This support is vital as one in two people in Ireland will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, with an estimated 44,000 modern cases expected this year.

The Impact of Travel Support

Robert Flanagan, a 48-year-old man from Portlaoise, shared his experience with the Irish Cancer Society’s travel program. After initially being misdiagnosed with piles, Flanagan privately sought a colonoscopy at the Beacon Hospital in January 2024, which revealed stage four colorectal cancer that had spread to his liver. Living in Portlaoise but receiving treatment at Tallaght Hospital, and being part of a one-car family, presented logistical challenges.

“Those free lifts to hospital meant, among the chaos of my cancer diagnosis and treatment, that a little bit of normality could carry on at home. I’m forever grateful for those lifts,” Flanagan said. He initially used the service every two weeks for about 18 months, and may rely on it again for future tests.

Funding and Daffodil Day

The Irish Cancer Society relies heavily on public donations, receiving only 5% of its funding from the State. Nikki Gallagher, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, emphasized the urgent need to raise approximately €30 million this year to maintain services. The charity aims to raise over €6 million through Daffodil Day on March 20th.

“We’re asking communities in every corner of Ireland to travel yellow this Daffodil Day, to buy a pin and wear it in solidarity with those who have been affected by cancer. The more we raise, the more we can be there for patients and their families when they need us the most,” Gallagher stated.

Services Provided in 2025

• Free Lifts: Almost 30,000 lifts to and from cancer treatment.
• Free Counselling: Over 14,300 free counselling sessions.
• Night Nursing: Close to 6,000 free nights of night nursing for those at the end of life.

The Irish Cancer Society aims to support every one of the 44,000 people expected to be diagnosed with cancer in Ireland this year.