A MOTHER and daughter were diagnosed with cancer just months apart.

Just eight months after her 13-year-old Sinead was diagnosed with leukaemia, Margaret Walsh from Co Mayo received her breast cancer confirmation.

The pair are urging communities across Ireland to turn yellow on Daffodil Day, being held on March 22, and go all in to raise vital funds and give hope to patients.

Speaking at the launch of the charity initiative, cancer survivor Margaret said: “As a mother, I knew in my heart of hearts, even before the doctors confirmed it, that Sinead had leukaemia.

“Telling our family, Sinead’s three siblings, and her grandparents was just heartbreaking.

“Then soon after Sinead started treatment, we found out that I had breast cancer.

“I just remember thinking I don’t have time for cancer, I have a child to get better.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the Irish Cancer Society.

“Daffodil Day means that families like mine have invaluable help in carrying the weight of a cancer diagnosis, and in our case two cancer diagnoses.

“The free supports we’ve received have been a lifeline, free counselling, a grant to help with the costs of Sinead’s diagnosis.

“And an incredible Irish Cancer Society family camp, which allowed us to park cancer for a weekend and concentrate on being together as a family.

SUPPORTS

“None of these incredible, vital supports would exist without the public’s generosity on Daffodil Day and I really can’t fathom how different our cancer experience would have been without them.”

Irish Cancer Society chief Averil Power added: “Every three minutes someone in Ireland hears the words ‘you’ve got cancer.’

“There isn’t a family that hasn’t felt the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis.

“But no matter what cancer brings, the Irish Cancer Society is here to help.

“All of our essential services, like free counselling, night nursing, and patient travel are fuelled by fundraising.

“We simply can’t provide them without the public’s generosity.

”The more we raise on Daffodil Day, the more we can do.

“The more help we can give to children and adults going through cancer.

“The more lifesaving research we can fund.

“And the sooner we can ensure all cancer survivors have the support they need to live life to the full.

“We’re all in because you are. Join us this Daffodil Day and help us do more.”

Visit cancer.ie to get involved.