DAFFODILS are out in bloom and the good women of the Portland chapter of the Cancer Council will this week be out and about selling them to raise funds to help fight cancer.

Cathy Radford from Gorae West has been involved with the group for the past decade and is also one of the daffodil growers.

“They are a tremendous bunch of ladies, they organise everything. Growing the flowers is very easy compared to selling them,” she said.

With over 145 people in the Glenelg region diagnosed with cancer in 2022, chances are that most people have been touched by cancer in one way or another.

Portland’s Lynne Peters and Jenny Duffin are asking the community to watch or join them at Nuns Beach this Thursday in the Daffodil Day Dip challenge.

“I've made the commitment to plunge in the cold for all of August and raise money for the one in two Australians who will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85,” Mrs Peters said.

“Our aim on Thursday, being Daffodil Day, is to do two dips. One at 7.30am and then at 12pm, because people might be able to get away from work at their lunchtime.”

She encourages people to wear bright colours to support them and to kindly make a donation.

This August, Cancer Council Victoria is urging Victorians to give to this Daffodil Day on Thursday to fund life-saving research. 

Head of Fundraising and Communications at Cancer Council Victoria Lyrian Fleming-Parsley said the dedication and compassion of supporters and donors has helped secure a $130 million investment in research over the past five years.

“With almost one in two people heartbreakingly impacted by cancer during their lifetime, it is essential we continue to invest in life-saving cancer research,” Ms Fleming-Parsley said.

More than $410,000 was raised through daffodil sales, donations and community fundraising events in 2023.

“For all cancer takes, we encourage everyone to give all they can this Daffodil Day,” she said.

“Thanks to our amazing supporters, we’ve made huge strides in cancer prevention, screening and treatment over the past 38 years – but there’s still a long way to go.”

Thirty-two Victorians die from cancer every day, but Ms Fleming-Parsley said breakthroughs in prevention, screening and treatment has helped improve survival rates.

"Each year, Daffodil Day brings our community together to make a real impact, and with every dollar raised, we move closer to breakthroughs in cancer treatment and prevention," she said.

“Your support means we can continue to fund critical cancer research and provide vital resources to people with cancer right now – it takes all of us.”

You can support Daffodil Day by buying flowers this Thursday between 9am and 4pm out the front of Woolworths or throughout the week from Intimate Apparell, donating online at www.daffodilday.com.au or phone 1300 65 65 85, buying a limited edition eCard, hosting a fundraiser or joining the Daffodil Day Dip.