Mark Isherwood MS joined Marie Curie staff and volunteers at the Senedd this week to call on the people of North Wales to get behind Marie Curie’s 40th biggest annual fundraising appeal to raise funds to ensure everyone gets the best possible end of life care.
The charity needs volunteers in North Wales to give just two hours of their time to hand out its iconic daffodil pins in return for donations.
Almost one in three adults in Wales have unmet palliative care need, meaning they are left without enough support at the end of life. The Great Daffodil Appeal encourages everyone to wear their daffodil pins and donate to the end of life charity through February and 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 more than 42,000 people across the UK via its hospices and through 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.
Mr Isherwood, who Chairs the Senedd Cross-Party Groups on Hospice and Palliative Care, and on Funerals and Bereavement, said:
“The work Marie Curie do is needed now more than ever. That is why I’m encouraging people across North Wales to show their support for the 40th 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 families and carers when they need it most.”
Victoria Hardy, Senior Community Fundraiser, said:
“We believe everyone deserves the best possible end of life care. The Great Daffodil Appeal, now in its 40th year, is an easy and fun way to join in and give back to our local community here in [insert area] whilst also helping us continue to bring vital hospice care to more people.
“Volunteering is so rewarding, and our friendly team will be 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!
“So why not be part of something amazing in our 40th year 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. To find out more about how you can help give people the expert care they need this March visit: mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil or contact your local Community Fundraiser, Victoria Hardy on 01745 35 2910 or [email protected]