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Public urged to join 3.5km walk on Tuesday, 8th September in Dublin’s Phoenix Park or in their local community
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Boots marks milestone €4.5 million raised for Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses, funding more than 11,400 nights of crucial end-of-life care since 2012
Boots have officially launched its annual Boots Night Walk for the Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses, calling on people across the country to sign up and step out for a 3.5km walk on Tuesday, 8th September 2026.
Participants can choose to join the main event in Dublin’s Phoenix Park or complete a walk in their local communities, all to raise vital funds for families navigating end-of-life care for loved ones at home.
The Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing service provides free, compassionate end-of-life care to cancer patients in their own homes, allowing them to spend their final days surrounded by loved ones. Since establishing its landmark partnership with the charity in 2012, Boots has raised more than €4.5 million, a milestone that has funded over 11,400 nights of free home care for families in need. The demand for Night Nursing remains critical as every year in Ireland, almost 9,800 people die from cancer or cancer-related illnesses.
Una Leonard, Night Nurse, Aisling McCann, (Director of Stores, Boots) Patrick Laffey, Night Nurse Anne Freeman-Rahill, (Director of HR & ESG Lead, Boots) Martha Ryan and (Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Irish Cancer Society) Glenda Ryan
Una Leonard, Author and Baker, said: “You don’t realise how important this service is until you need it for your own family. My mam was diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago, and my family and I cared for her during this time.
“When our Night Nurse, Anne, came through the doors during our mam’s final days, it was like an angel walked in. She provided much-needed respite and relief for our family when we needed it most. We are so grateful to this service, and for those who support the care that Night Nurses provide to families all around Ireland.
“I hope as many people as possible come to the Boots Night Walk on September 8th. We’ll be bringing buses full of supporters to Phoenix Park and hope to see you there.”
Nikki Gallagher, CEO, Irish Cancer Society, said: “Most people with cancer want to spend their final nights at home, surrounded by loved ones. More families can have that precious time together, thanks to the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing Service.
“Our Night Nurses provide expert overnight care and comfort, allowing patients to remain at home while giving family members the reassurance and rest they need. Behind every night of care is a family supported through one of life’s most difficult moments. It means a spouse can sit beside their loved one, children can be close to a parent, and families can spend meaningful time together in the place that matters most, home.
“This vital service would not be possible without the longstanding support of Boots Ireland, its colleagues, customers, and everyone who supports the Boots Night Walk.
“Your generosity helps families across Ireland receive compassionate care where they most want to be, at home. We are sincerely grateful for your support and the difference it makes every day.”
Members of the public can support the campaign in three simple ways:
- Register for the 3.5km Walk: Sign up at www.bootsnightwalk.com for a €15 entry fee (children under 16 walk for free). Every adult participant receives an official event T-shirt and an automatic personal iDonate fundraising page to help rally support from friends and family.
- Buy an Honour Tag: Purchase an Honour Tag for €3 at any Boots nationwide to write a personalised dedication to a loved one affected by cancer.
- Make a donation online at www.bootsnightwalk.com
Martha Ryan, People and ESG Director at Boots Ireland said: “We are incredibly proud of our colleagues and of the difference this partnership continues to make for families and communities across Ireland. The Boots Night Walk is a powerful opportunity for people to come together, to honour, support and remember loved ones and help ensure the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing Service can continue providing vital care when families need it most. We are encouraging colleagues, customers and communities across the country to sign up, step out and support this year’s walk.”
To learn more, register for the walk, or make a donation, visit www.bootsnightwalk.com
