Russell George MS is calling on the people of Montgomeryshire to join Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising appeal to raise funds to ensure everyone gets the expert care and support they deserve at end of life.
The MS for Montgomeryshire joined Marie Curie staff and volunteers at the charity’s Great Daffodil Appeal launch at the Senedd on Wednesday 21st February.
The charity needs volunteers in Powys to give just two hours of their time to hand out its iconic daffodil pins in return for donations. People can also join a Go Yellow day on March 21, fundraising by wearing or baking something yellow at work or school – or in any way that suits them.
Today one in four people don’t get the end of life care they need, and Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal encourages people to donate and wear a daffodil pin to help the charity continue to support people with any illness they’re likely to die from.
Marie Curie is dependent on public donations and last year supporters helped the charity provide direct care to more than 44,200 people across the UK via its nine hospices and through overnight nursing care in people’s own homes.
The money raised also funds the charity’s free support line and webchat, which is available to anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from and those close to them. It offers practical and emotional support on everything from symptom management and day-to-day care to financial information and bereavement support.
Mr George said:
“The work Marie Curie do is needed now more than ever. That is why I’m encouraging people across the whole of Montgomeryshire to show their support for the Great Daffodil Appeal in any way they can. Every donation means that when the time comes, Marie Curie can be there for people and their loved ones when they need it most.”
Claire Phillips, Marie Curie Head of Fundraising in Wales said:
“Launching our Great Daffodil Appeal in Wales at the Senedd is always an honour.
“Thank you to Jane Hutt MS for sponsoring once again, and to MSs for attending to meet our staff and the volunteers who are so vital to the Great Daffodil Appeal every year.
“Now in its 38th year, the appeal is a brilliant and fun way to join in, and we would love to see our dedicated existing volunteers joined by new faces in Montgomeryshire whilst also helping us provide a vital service to those in the final chapter of their lives.
“Our team is on hand to support all our volunteers and make sure you have the best experience possible in order for you to help Marie Curie continue to provide expert end of life care and support for people with any illness they are likely to die from. If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you.”
To find out more about how you can volunteer visit Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil
During the Great Daffodil Appeal Marie Curie will once again lead the nation in a UK-wide Day of Reflection on the new date of Sunday 3 March 2024, asking individuals and communities to remember the people who died during the Covid pandemic, whatever the cause, and to show support for everyone who was bereaved.
In the run up to the Day of Reflection the charity will publish resources to support community groups wanting to host an event, and will also encourage individuals to observe the day. The day will include a minute’s silence at midday.
Superdrug is the headline partner for the Great Daffodil Appeal in 2024. You can also pick up a daffodil pin in any Superdrug store this March and help ensure everyone gets expert care and support right to the end. For information and to donate, please visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil
Ways to observe the day can be found at dayofreflection.org.uk