An increasing number of charity events are being called off because of health concerns around COVID-19 (coronavirus).

The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has taken the decision to cancel its Daffodil Day event on March 27. This is the society's biggest annual fundraiser, which aims to raise as much as €4 million. All funds raised go towards providing free advice and support to people with cancer, as well life-saving cancer research.

All Daffodil Day street collections and associated events have now been cancelled.

"We have made this decision to protect the health and wellbeing of our patients, volunteers and supporters. We also want to focus all our energies on providing cancer patients and their families with the information, advice and support they need at this time," explained the society's CEO, Averil Power.

Daffodil Day donations can still be made online here.

Make-A-Wish Ireland has also cancelled its planned street collections for March 13. It is instead proceeding with a ‘Virtual Wish Day', which is encouraging people to make donations through the Make-A-Wish website here.

Meanwhile, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) has also taken the decision to postpone its annual conference, which was due to take place in Galway from April 3-5.

This event is aimed at people with cystic fibrosis, their families and friends. However, a spokesperson has said that the oragnisation has "taken the reluctant decision to postpone, due to the rapidly evolving situation regarding COVID-19".

More events are expected to be postponed or cancelled in the coming weeks.