The Irish Cancer Society

The Irish Cancer Society is the national charity dedicated to preventing cancer, saving lives from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer through patient care research and education.

The main work of the Society is the delivery of nursing services to patients with cancer throughout Ireland. These services include; funding hospital based Oncology Liaison Nurses, community based Night Nursing for patients in their home, and Home Care Nursing teams. Additionally the Society operates a FreeFone Cancer Helpline, staffed by fully qualified nurses. This Cancer Helpline receives almost 6,000 calls annually.

The Society, was founded in 1963, is financed entirely by voluntary contributions from the public and receives no government funding. This allows the Society to pursue new and innovative services for patients with cancer outside of government policy.


How did we get involved?
When we were planning the Zanskar trip we rallied around a concept of involvement for as many people as possible. We wanted to share our adventure with people back home - through magazines, newspapers, television, radio, internet and the Zanskar DVD. We also wanted to do something with our adventure that would help those who don’t have these types of opportunities. There is hardly a person in Ireland that hasn't known someone with cancer in some shape or form. For some members of the team, this was particularly true. By splitting the DVD proceeds between the society and the Kullu School for the Blind in India, we were able to spread the benefit across both countries and do our bit to help hundreds of families right here at home.





The Zanskar DVD has raised €5,000 for the society since its launch in December 2004. Pictured are Colin Irvine, Kipper Maguire and Jam McManus of the team, presenting a cheque to a representative of the society.




How can YOU get involved?
To join the Zanskar adventure and offer Irish cancer patients a better future, order your copy of the Zanskar movie by sending a cheque for €27 (or stg£20 if you live in the U.K.) made payable to "Zanskar" to:

Colin Irvine,
Beginish Crosthwaite Park West,
Dun Laoghaire,
Co. Dublin,
IRELAND.

... and I'll pop a copy in the post.

Read more on the Zanskar Kayak Expedition here