UCF Daffodil Raffle raises £236,000

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has thanked the 10,000 people who took part in this year’s Daffodil Raffle which raised the highest amount ever - £236,000.

This is UCF’s 18th Daffodil Appeal and with the support of local people the charity has used the money raised to develop research, education and prevention programmes as well as providing care and support for all those affected by cancer.

This year the Daffodil Raffle has enjoyed unprecedented success and the money raised will help local people affected by bowel or colorectal cancer, the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Northern Ireland. Bowel cancer can occur at any age but it is primarily a cancer of the over 50’s for both men and women.

Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said: “When it comes to bowel cancer, our message is that prevention is key. What we eat can make a big difference and it’s never too late to adopt healthy eating patterns. Research shows that you can take steps to prevent bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and cereals; eating less fat, exercising regularly, reducing your intake of red and processed meat and by being aware of your normal bowel habits. If bowel cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, treatment can be more successful, leading to a better quality of life.”

UCF relies on the generosity of local people to be able to continue our work so a huge thank everyone who made this years raffle a great success, particularly those who sold raffle tickets on behalf of the charity.

Anyone wishing to take part in UCF’s upcoming Breast Cancer Raffle should contact Lisa on 028 9068 0752.

(SP/EF)