The 2010 Daffodil Day in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will be on Friday, March 26, and a national target of €4 million has been set.

Chairperson of the local Daffodil Day Committee, Marie Walsh, arranged the launch for this year's collection and she gave details of the progress to date. She paid tribute to two stalwart volunteers - John Stuart and Noreen Ryan - who sadly died during the past year.

Some members of the first collection in Carrick-on-Suir 22 years ago are still involved. Brendan Mulvaney thanked all the volunteer collectors who had manned the collection points in the intervening years.

Head of Funding with the Irish Cancer Society, Jill Clark, honoured Carrick by attending and formally launching Daffodil Day 2010. She said all the monies raised will go to fund free and direct patient care services for those with cancer and their families including the provision of the Cancer Information Service – freephone 1800 200 700.

The Irish Cancer Society also supports the funding of hospital-based Oncology Liaison Nurses, counselling and financial aid of cancer patients and the provision of a nationwide night nursing service for people at the end stages of their illness.

Jill urged those who may have some time to spare on March 26 to contact Marie Walsh or any member of the local committee. Further information on becoming a volunteer is available from the Daffodil Day office on CallSave 1850 60 60 60.