Thousands of volunteers will be taking to the streets nationwide this week to raise much needed funds for their local hospice services.

Now in its 28th year, the national fundraising event, Hospice Sunflower Days, will take place on Friday and Saturday (June 8 and 9).

Hospice care is provided free of charge to people with life-limiting illnesses. It helps them to achieve the best quality of life in the time that they have left. Patients are treated with dignity and respect, as are their families and loved ones.

Hospice Sunflower Days ensures that all funds that are raised locally, stay local. The charity's ambassador, broadcaster Mary Kennedy, is calling on the public to support the event by buying a sunflower pin or teddy bear this weekend.

"There is tremendous goodwill by people in Ireland towards their local hospices and I am encouraging the public to show their support for Hospice Sunflower Days this Friday and Saturday. The care and support afforded to families in need is vitally important. By buying a sunflower pin from one of the many volunteers, you are helping to bring comfort and dignity to people at the end of life," Ms Kennedy said.

The population of people over the age of 65 is set to triple over the next three decades, so demand for hospice and homecare services is expected to increase significantly.

"The nature of hospice care means that we must be in a position to respond in an appropriate and timely manner at all times. Hospices across the country are more reliant now than ever on the generosity and goodwill of our wonderful supporters and volunteers," commented Pat Quinlan, chairperson of the Voluntary Hospice Groups.

To donate to or volunteer for the event, click here