People are being encouraged to walk 5km on the evening of September 7 to help raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society's night nursing service.

This service, which has been in operation for over three decades, is available in every county in Ireland. Currently, 192 night nurses provide up to 10 nights of care to cancer patients in their own home.

In 2019 alone, night nurses provided over 7,200 nights of care to 1,887 patients.

The service is free of charge and is funded almost entirely by donations. However, according to the Irish Cancer Society's director of services, Donal Buggy, requests for assistance from the night nursing service "have increased considerably since the start of the current pandemic".

This year's Night Walk event, which has been launched by Boots Ireland, will be slightly different to previous years. Previously, the walks have taken place in various locations nationwide at a specified time, with participants walking together.

This year, due to COVID-19 public health guidelines, participants are being asked to choose the location and time of their 5km walk on September 7.

Honour tags will also be on sale in Boots stores for €2. Customers can purchase a tag in honour of someone who has survived or passed away from cancer. The front of the tag has room for the name of the individual, with space on the back for a personal message.

Broadcaster and the event's ambassador, Sile Seoige, emphasised how important services like this are.

"Having been through cancer, I know how challenging it can be for both the patient and their loved ones. Support services like the Irish Cancer Society's night nurses are vital. These incredible people bring such kindness to the homes of those who need it most. They sit through the night with the patient and are a reassuring presence for all the family.

"I am proud to support this campaign and invite everyone to fundraise and get out and walk on September 7 in aid of this wonderful service," she said.

Last year's event raised over €45,000.

For more information on the Night Walk event, click here. For more information on the Irish Cancer Society, click here.