Iconic city landmark Cardiff Castle was bathed in yellow on Thursday, February 7, to mark the start of the UK’s leading end of life charity’s flagship fundraiser, the Great Daffodil Appeal.
The Appeal helps raise much needed funds so that Marie Curie Nurses and healthcare professionals can provide expert support and hospice care in the comfort of home or at its hospice in Penarth.
There’s only one chance to give someone the best possible end of life, which is why Marie Curie is calling on people across Wales to support its Great Daffodil Appeal this February and March by giving up a few hours to distribute the charity’s iconic daffodil pins in exchange for a donation.
Every five minutes, someone dies without the care they need. The Great Daffodil Appeal encourages everyone to wear their daffodil pins and donate to the end of life charity through the month of March to help Marie Curie bring expert end of life care to more people.
Marie Curie is dependent on public donations and last year supporters helped the charity provide direct care to almost 40,000 people across the UK via its hospices and through nursing care in people’s own homes.
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 managing symptoms, navigating care to financial information, including how to get help with energy bills, and bereavement support.
Marie Curie volunteer Lynne Allison said: “Volunteering is so rewarding, and Marie Curie’s friendly team are on hand to support you all the way. They’ll make sure you have everything you need – including the big yellow hat – and ensure you have the best possible volunteer experience!
“I volunteer my time in order to give something back for all the wonderful work Marie Curie does.”
Hannah Leckie, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Cardiff and the Vale, said: “We believe everyone deserves the best possible end of life care. The Great Daffodil Appeal, now in its 39th year, is an easy and fun way to join in and give back to our local community here in [insert town/area] whilst also helping us continue to bring vital hospice care to more people.
“So why not be part of something amazing and volunteer to collect for the Great Daffodil Appeal this March. By giving up your time you’ll be helping Marie Curie continue to provide expert end of life care and support for people with any illness they are likely to die from.”
Marie Curie Healthcare Assistant in the Cardiff and the Vale Hospice at Home service, Tracy Tucker added: “We’re so grateful to all volunteers who give their time to the Great Daffodil Appeal. Their support means we’re able to provide expert care to people who are going through some of the toughest times, and help a dying person to have the best possible end of life.
“Thank you to everyone who supports the Great Daffodil Appeal, which helps us continue to do the job we love.”
