Cork-based actress asks public to support 'invaluable' Daffodil Day services

Hollyoaks actress Ali Bastian discovered a lump in her left breast while breastfeeding her daughter Izzy, leading to her shock diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer in June 2024. Picture: Blue Pineapple

A Cork-based actress who underwent treatment for breast cancer has appealed to the public to raise funds on Daffodil Day this year, describing the services as “invaluable” when first navigating her diagnosis.

Hollyoaks actress Ali Bastian discovered a lump in her left breast while breastfeeding her daughter Izzy, leading to her shock diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer in June 2024.

The actress, who lives in West Cork, said the Irish Cancer Sociey has acted as an “invaluable support”.

“You could say they were my first port in this storm,” she said.

She recalled meeting with a Daffodil Nurse after her diagnosis, who offered her “comfort and warmth”, and exchanged helpful guidance and information on breaking the news of her illness to her children.

At one point during her chemotherapy journey, Ali had to stay overnight in hospital. This experience was made more bearable by a visit from her daffodil nurse, who she described as an “angel”.

“Having that human support, someone to hold your hand and guide you through such a challenging time — I can’t put into words what it means,” she said.

Ali is appealing to the public today, which is World Cancer Day, to raise much-needed funds on Daffodil Day, March 28 for cancer services.

The mother of two said although she is still navigating her experience with cancer, she urged others not to be afraid to ask for help.

“We all live in a world where we try to be as independent as possible, but going through something like cancer, it is so important to let in as much love and support as possible.”

With one in two people affected by cancer in their lifetime, Ali feels that everyone should experience the same level of support and care she received.

“I want to pay it forward, so I am encouraging everyone to support Daffodil Day in whatever way they can.

"None of these incredible, vital supports would exist without the public’s generosity on Daffodil Day and I really can’t fathom how different my cancer experience would have been without them.

"So please, go all in against cancer this Daffodil Day to give hope to every person facing this disease in Ireland.”

Meanwhile, the Irish Cancer Society has launched a series of new holistic services to improve the quality of life for cancer patients across Ireland.

The free services include a diet and exercise programme and a welfare and supports service, to help work on additional challenges facing patients such as social welfare entitlements.

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said hearing their diagnosis can be a very “confusing and vulnerable” time for people.

Our new services help to meet the unmet needs of cancer patients and their families."

Ms Power said there is a large amount of misinformation relating to diet and cancer, adding it can be easy for newly diagnosed patients to “go down a rabbit hole of alleged cancer cures or cancer diets”.

The Irish Cancer Society diet and exercise programme offers patients evidence based, specialist advice from an oncology dietitian, allowing people to understand the importance of healthy eating, and helping to dispel myths around fad diets.

“None of our free, life-changing services would be possible without the incredible generosity of the public on days like Daffodil Day.

"We get just 5% of our funding from the Government, so we rely on fundraising to fuel our work. 

"We’re encouraging everyone to get involved and go all in this Daffodil Day to raise vital funds for cancer patients and their families. The more we raise on Daffodil Day, the more we can do.” 

Daffodil Day takes place on March 28.