Tipperary woman whose brother died from oesophageal cancer launches Lollipop Day appeal

A Tipperary woman who lost a brother to oesophageal cancer is urging people to come out and support Lollipop Day, the annual Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) awareness and fundraising campaign.

Since 2015, Louise Morgan Walsh, a Clinical Nurse Manager at Nenagh Hospital, has volunteered for the OCF and has raised over €50k through Lollipop Day and charity runs.

“I’m delighted to support the work of the OCF and to help spread awareness through Lollipop Day about the symptoms of this terrible cancer and to encourage people to book an early GP appointment.

“Unfortunately, my family has experienced the devastation of this cancer, having lost my brother to it in 2015. He had been experiencing symptoms for quite some time and an earlier diagnosis could have made a big difference. What we do know for sure is that early detection saves lives and that’s why awareness building is so important,” said Louise, who hails from Nenagh.

Lollipop Day returns on Friday, February 23 and Saturday, February 24, and the charity is inviting supporters and volunteers across the country to get involved in their local communities through Lollipop Day.

The charity’s aim is to increase the awareness of the signs and symptoms of oesophageal cancer and raise vital funds for research into this difficult cancer.

Primarily, symptoms include difficulty swallowing, persistent acid indigestion, heartburn and reflux and unexplained weight loss.

Unfortunately, approximately 70% of patients experience these symptoms for three months before contacting their GP.

For more information on Lollipop Day, to volunteer, or to donate, see www.ocf.ie or contact Louise Morgan Walsh on 087-6154146.