People are being urged to give what they can to the Irish Cancer Society as Friday marks Daffodil Day.

However this is the first such day the charity is holding without events or street collections due to the coronavirus.

CEO Averil Power said: "When we made the decision earlier this month to cancel all Daffodil Day events and street collections we were blown away by the response.

"As we work to adapt to the current public health crisis and ensure we are providing cancer patients, survivors and their families with the appropriate care and support that they need, we have been reminded of the generosity of Irish people.

"Across Ireland we have seen people take up safe ways to raise funds including things like solo walks or virtual events.

"Venues have even offered to stream events as online fundraisers. And we have had dozens of offers from companies offering to help in various ways."

People can go online to donate and download a digital daffodil to show their support.

However the society said earlier its website was having difficulties coping due to the volumes of traffic.

Image: Supplied

People can also text DAFFODIL to 50300 to make a €4 donation or call 1850-60-60-60.

Ms Power added: "Each year more than 40,000 people are diagnosed with cancer - unfortunately this will remain the case even with the coronavirus outbreak.

"What’s more is there are approximately 200,000 people in Ireland living with and beyond cancer, many of whom are at a higher risk of developing a serious illness if they catch coronavirus.

"This is why it is more important than ever that we support people with cancer."

The Irish Cancer Society continues to provide services including its NightNurse service, providing end-of-life care for people in their homes.

It also operates a volunteer driving service to transfer patients to chemotherapy.

It has also extended its Cancer Nurseline hours and is funding remote counselling, to ensure that those affected by cancer can continue to access the help they need.

"We’re determined to be there for everyone who needs us.

"But as only 3% of our funding comes from the State, we can’t do that without the support of the public so please help by donating what you can".

The official Daffodil Day  sponsors, Boots Ireland, are also continuing to sell pins in store.