Cork man urges public to go 'all in' for Daffodil Day appeal after death of wife  

A Cork man who lost his wife to cancer has called on members of the public to go ‘all in’ against the disease this Daffodil Day.

Liam Holmes, whose wife Lynda passed away in 2018, is urging people to get involved in the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day, which is set to take place this month.

Lynda was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2015.

Mr Holmes, who lives in Mallow, said his wife was “in a lot of pain and discomfort” prior to her diagnosis.

“We were in the sunroom in the Bons when we were told she had cancer,” he said.

“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.”

Treatment

Lynda’s treatment included major surgeries on her bowel and her liver, as well as 30 rounds of chemotherapy. However, she died in November 2018 and is sadly missed by her husband and son David.

“Lynda could have passed away yesterday because there’s been no change in the way both myself and David feel about Lynda passing away,” said Mr Holmes.

“I’ll never get over it.

“Every euro raised on Daffodil Day is crucial and makes a real lasting difference, fuelling life-changing cancer research and vital support services.

“I would encourage everyone to please get out there on Daffodil Day and show your support for those affected by cancer in your local community.”

Counselling

In 2025, the Irish Cancer Society provided more than 3,200 Cork-based cancer patients with free transportation to their treatment; provided more than 2,000 patients with free counselling sessions; and gave more than 430 nights of free night nursing care.

Acting CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, Edel Shovlin, said 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,” added Ms Shovlin.

“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.”

For more information on Daffodil Day, which takes place on March 20 this year, see  https://www.cancer.ie/daffodilday.