Thirty years ago, husband Peter passed away from bone cancer and then 20 years later she had to endure it all again when she lost her grandson Michael to leukaemia.

This weekend will be the 10th anniversary of his death.

"I didn't ask why me," she said. "That's because every day lots of people go through exactly what I went through and you've got to get on with it."

With Daffodil Day to be celebrated at the end of August she pauses when asked if she thinks about Peter and Michael more around this time of the year than at any other time.

"I wouldn't say so," she said. "The memories are always there, they never go away.

"I've lost so many people through cancer.

"If we don't keep that awareness going in the community, we'll lose the importance of the day. That can't happen."

And now Mrs McLaren is calling on volunteers to join her in supporting the day this year.

"I have been involved with Daffodil Day since the very beginning," she said.

"After Peter passed away I became very passionate about raising awareness and fundraising for the Cancer Council and have been organising Daffodil Day in the local area ever since.

"In my past life I was a nurse and have seen the advances in medicine over the years. Without organisations like the Cancer Council and most importantly volunteers, such progress could not be made.

"It's a great feeling to be able to give back to the community and raise funds for Cancer Council.

"The more people who get involved in Daffodil Day, the more we can do to beat this terrible disease."

To sign up as a Daffodil Day volunteer in August, 6639 1303 or email daffodildaynorthern@nswcc.org.au