Due to the incredible fundraising efforts of everyone involved in the 2018 Boots Ireland Night Walks recently, €50,000 has been raised for the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing Service.
Since the partnership began between Boots and the Irish Cancer Society in 2012, €1.4 million has been raised for the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing Service, the equivalent of over 4,064 nights of nursing care for families around the country.
Now in its 6th year, the Boots Night Walks for Night Nurses are designed to raise both funds and awareness of the critical care provided by the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing Service. Over 500 people came together to take part in the two public walks in Dublin and Cork and a further 38 regional walks were organised by Boots colleagues from stores across the country – making 2018 the biggest year yet for participation.
Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses provide in-home care through the night for cancer patients requiring end-of-life care, whilst also providing rest and respite for the patient’s families. The service is provided free of charge and is an invaluable support to families and their loved ones during what can be a particularly difficult and anxious time. The service ensures patients and their loved ones receive nursing care, practical support and reassurance, keeping the patient comfortable and free of pain.
Bernadette Lavery, Managing Director, Boots Ireland says: “Boots would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making the 2018 Night Walks so special, your support really matters. The Night Nursing service is funded almost entirely by donations, so fundraising initiatives like the Night Walks are vital and make it possible for the Irish Cancer Society to reach people affected by cancer.”
Speaking about the money raised for the Night Nursing Service, Averil Power, CEO Irish Cancer Society, says: “Every year in Ireland 9,000 people sadly die from cancer, and the majority of these patients wish to die at home. That creates a huge demand for the Night Nursing Service. Boots employees and customers are amazing supporters of this crucial service which allows families to spend those precious final days together at home. Thanks to your fundraising we can continue to provide this vital care to those who need it.”
Boots Ireland is in their sixth year of partnership with the Irish Cancer Society, with the aim of the partnership to increase awareness, promote prevention and support people living with cancer across Ireland. In addition to Boots colleagues support for the Night Nursing service, they also supported with Daffodil Day fundraising, with almost €75,000 raised in 2018 alone.
For further information about the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing service or to donate to the Irish Cancer Society visit: www.cancer.ie
About the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing Service
Night Nurses are free of charge for up to 10 nights. Last year, the Society’s Night Nursing service provided 7,345 nights of care to 1,818 patients around the country. The Service is funded entirely by money generously donated by the public every year, including through Boots Night Walks.
Further details on how to access the services of a Night Nurse are here: https://www.cancer.ie/support/night-nursing#sthash.DXHdJiLc.dpbs
About the Boots Ireland sponsorship
By partnering with Irish Cancer Society, Boots Ireland have made help for people living with cancer readily available in all their pharmacies nationwide. Since the partnership began, Boots Ireland has trained:
- Over 100 Boots Cancer Beauty Advisors – trained to offer make-up tips and skincare techniques to help manage the visible side effects of treatment, so those living with cancer can start to feel more like themselves again. This service can be booked online on Boots.ie in selected stores.
- Over 150 Boots Irish Cancer Society Information Pharmacists – trained to provide practical tips and advice to help manage the effects of cancer. The pharmacist is also trained to offer wider support to those living with cancer, their families and carers, who can call into a Boots pharmacy and speak privately about a range of issues relating to cancer.
