Volunteers who know the damaging effects of cancer all too well are among those supporting Daffodil Day today.

It's the Cancer Society's 24^th annual Daffodil Day appeal, and dozens of volunteers are taking to the city's streets donned in yellow to sell the iconic flowers.

Cancer Society volunteers Karen Morris and Richard Ryan in Red Square today.

Funds raised will help support people like Richard Ryan and David Griffin, who are battling cancer, as well as patients' families and loved ones.

Richard is in Red Square today in selling daffodils, pens and stickers. Richard first fought off cancer 15 years ago but was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer.

”I have been selling daffodils for 20-odd years. I had cancer 15 years ago and now I have prostate cancer so I know what it's all about.

'We have been here since 8.10am and it's freezing, but we're tough.”

David, 50, has battled three cancerous tumours in the last 12 years, and says he will definitely be donating to the Cancer Society today.

David Griffin has battled cancer for 12 years. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Proceeds also fund the Cancer Society's Lions Lodge, which provides free meals, massage, exercise and accommodation for anyone travelling to receive treatment at the Waikato Regional Cancer Centre.

David says his time at the lodge has been key to his 12-year fight against the disease.

'I'll definitely be donating to the Cancer Society this Daffodil Day.

'The lodge is amazing; and at times it's been better than being at home, as it's allowed me the peace and quiet to chill out and focus on getting better. They were like family to me.”

At age 38, David knew there was something wrong with him – but his diagnosis still came as a huge shock.

'To this day I remember thinking, cancer doesn't happen to me.”

An eight-hour operation removed the brain tumour and David returned to work in 2003. But six years later the tumour returned, growing close to the nerves in his spinal cord.

Five-weeks of radiotherapy helped reduce the tumour's size – but more were found on his optic nerve and pituitary gland in 2012, along with the return of his brain tumour.

'I turned down radiation and ran from my problems, but as anyone who has run from their problems will tell you – they follow you,” says David.

'I eventually returned to my doctor and decided to continue my treatment.”

After losing sight in his right eye and hearing in his right ear, David's advice to others battling cancer is to face every day challenges and enjoy life.

'Push the boundaries a little more each day and see what you can achieve.”

Waikato Bay of Plenty Cancer Society spokeswoman Rachael Mounsey says Daffodil Day is the society's biggest annual fundraising and awareness campaign.

'When you look at it, there are so many reasons to donate to the Cancer Society this Daffodil Day and we'd like to thank all the people who have already so generously showed their support.

'The best thing about donating to Daffodil Day is all the funds stay locally and are used to support people in your local communities.

'We know that people always give generously to Daffodil Day – and we're sure this year will be no different.”

People can donate to the Cancer Society's Daffodil Day appeal through street collections on today, online at www.daffodilday.org.nz, by texting ‘daffodil' to 305 or visiting any ANZ branch.