Liam is encouraging communities to support Daffodil Day
A Cork man who lost his wife Lynda to cancer in 2018 is calling on his local community to go all in against cancer for the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day.
Liam Holmes’ wife Lynda was diagnosed with colon cancer in August 2015 after she experienced constipation in the weeks before, which then became severe.
Liam, who lives in Mallow, said: “Lynda was in a lot of pain and discomfort. We were in the sunroom in the Bons when we were told she had cancer. When Lynda’s oncologist came in, she stood up, and he immediately told her straight what her diagnosis was. Lynda just collapsed to her knees. I picked her up and put her in a chair. It was just a total shock to both of us.”
Lynda’s treatment included major surgeries on her bowel and her liver, and 30 rounds of chemo. However, she sadly passed away in November 2018 at age 50. Her loss is still keenly felt by Liam, their son David, and all who knew Lynda.
“Lynda could’ve passed away yesterday, because there’s been no change in the way both myself and David feel about Lynda passing away. I’ll never get over it.”
When Lynda went into hospital for treatment, Liam would often to go the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Centre in the Bons for support and reassurance on how best to help Lynda.
“I did my own research after Lynda was diagnosed, and talked to the Daffodil Centre staff about it. They told me to just continue on as I was and to keep Lynda positive. It offered great reassurance to me and let me know I was doing the right thing.”
Liam is now encouraging communities across Cork to support Daffodil Day on 20 March as he knows first-hand how vital the Irish Cancer Society’s services.
He said: “Every euro raised on Daffodil Day is crucial and makes a real lasting difference, fueling life-changing cancer research and vital support services. I would encourage everyone to please get out there on Daffodil Day, 20 March, and show your support for those affected by cancer in your local community.”
The Irish Cancer Society is there to ensure that every person affected by cancer has a place to turn to, the support they need and the hope that there will come a day when no one in Ireland dies from cancer.
Thanks to the amazing generosity of the public the Irish Cancer Society invests in ground-breaking cancer research and delivers crucial free support services for people affected by cancer, throughout Cork.
In 2025, your support provided:
- More than 3,200 free lifts to bring Cork-based cancer patients to their treatment
- More than 2,000 free counselling sessions for people living in Cork
- More than 430 nights of free Night Nursing care to allow cancer patients in Cork to die at home surrounded by loved ones
- Cancer Nurses had more than 2,800 conversations with people from Cork on the Support Line and in Daffodil Centres.
Irish Cancer Society Acting CEO Edel Shovlin said: “Cancer doesn’t wait — and neither can we. This year, thousands of people in Ireland will hear the words, ‘You have cancer’. Behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, a future suddenly filled with uncertainty. But this Daffodil Day, there is also determination, compassion and groundbreaking research driving real progress.
“Daffodil Day 2026 is about turning solidarity into action. The funds raised don’t just support vital, life-changing cancer research — they provide immediate, practical help for people facing cancer right now. From free counselling and transport to treatment, to Night Nursing care that allows someone to spend precious time at home, your support makes an extraordinary difference.
“Communities across Cork and throughout Ireland will once again come together to paint the country yellow — standing shoulder to shoulder with patients and their families. But we need this to be our biggest Daffodil Day yet.
“When you donate or get involved, you’re not just giving money — you’re giving comfort, hope and time. Together, we can ensure that no one in Ireland faces cancer alone.”