Some 40,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year and demand for cancer services is increasing, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has said.

It is holding its annual national fundraiser - Daffodil Day - on Friday, March 11, and this year it is hoping to raise €3.5 million.

The ICS is particularly appealing to the business community to get involved with this year's event. Over 200 companies have already signed up to participate in Daffodil Day, but the society wants more businesses to get involved.

"Not only does taking part in Daffodil Day raise money for people affected by cancer, it is also a fun way for staff to come together to fight back against a disease that affects every family in Ireland.

"Doing Daffodil Day in your workplace offers a great opportunity for employee team building and can be hugely motivating for staff. Many companies understand the value of corporate responsibility and giving something back to the community in which they operate and by hosting a Daffodil Day event in your workplace you are making a real difference," commented the ICS's head of fundraising, Mark Mellett.

He explained that funds are needed ‘to respond to a growing demand for our services'.

One essential service funded by Daffodil Day is the ICS's night nursing service. Some 75% of cancer patients want to die at home surrounded by their family, however, only 25% get to do so. The night nursing service is the only night-time care service for cancer patients in their own home.

Last year, ICS nurses provided almost 8,000 nights of care to more than 1,900 patients.

The ICS is appealing to companies to get involved with this year's event. Last year, over 250 companies raised more than €303,000. Companies can participate in a number of ways, from arranging a fundraising event in the workplace to selling boxes of daffodils and Daffodil Day merchandise to its employees. For more information on how to get your company involved, click here

This year is the 29th Daffodil Day and thousands of volunteers will be selling daffodil flowers and pins nationwide. For more information on the event, click here