Mark Isherwood MS is calling on the people of North Wales to host their own Daffodil Day as leading end of life charity Marie Curie launches its biggest annual fundraising appeal.
The charity is also calling on volunteers in North Wales to give just two hours of their time to hand out the charity’s iconic daffodil pins in return for donations.
Mr Isherwood, who Chairs the Senedd Cross-Party Groups on Hospices and Palliative Care and on Funerals & Bereavement, joined the launch of The Great Daffodil Appeal – held in person at the Senedd for the first time in three years.
This year collections are going ahead in North Wales and Marie Curie is urging new and existing supporters to come forward to show their support.
People can also support the appeal by hosting a Daffodil Day and fundraising in whatever way works for them – a bake sale, a fitness challenge or whatever sparks their inspiration – which Mr Isherwood is also encouraging people to join.
Participants heard about how the charity has continued to support people at end of life and bereaved people, with a specific highlight on the Wales Bereavement Information and Support Service. Project Manager Angharad Burden spoke about the Welsh Government funded service, in partnership with Diverse Cymru while bereavement counsellor Sharon Jenkins spoke about her role and how she’s supported people over the past year.
They shared the experience of Sofia Costa, whose mum died in December 2021, having received Marie Curie support at home.
“They cared for my mother with such dignity and respect,” she said.
“I will forever be in awe of how beautifully they cared for my mother during her final days, (and) how they cared for the rest of the family.
“The bereavement staff provided a safe space (to) expose all my feelings of grief and guided me professionally with no judgement. Talking is so important for mental health, I’m so grateful for this service to get me through the toughest time of my life, helping me deal with the rollercoaster of emotions that is grief.”
Last year Marie Curie provided direct support to more than 3,000 people in Wales.
The charity is dependent on public donations so that its nurses can continue working on the frontline caring for people at the end of life in their own homes and at the Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale Hospice in Penarth. Donations also support its Information and Support line, which provides a listening ear to anyone dealing with any aspect of death, dying and bereavement.
During the Great Daffodil Appeal the annual National Day of Reflection will take place. On 23 March, the charity is encouraging everyone to wear a daffodil pin and take a moment to show their support for the millions of people bereaved during the pandemic and remember the people we’ve lost. Communities are also being encouraged to create their own Walls of Reflection and contribute memories of loved ones who’ve died. People might choose to include photos, poems, objects, music, stories, articles, hobbies and other memories as the display builds up in the 2 weeks before the day itself.
Marie Curie will provide a downloadable toolkit and encourage people to add their public walls to the map on their website.
Mr Isherwood said:
“The work Marie Curie do is needed now more than ever. That is why I’m encouraging people across the whole of North Wales to show their support for the Great Daffodil Appeal in any way they can by hosting a Daffodil Day. Every donation means that when the time comes, Marie Curie can be there for people and their loved ones when they need it most.
“I’ll be wearing my daffodil on the National Day of Reflection to connect with all those bereaved. I hope my constituents will be able to create their own Walls of Reflection to remember those people they’ve loved and lost.”
Marie Curie Senior Community Fundraiser Victoria Hardy said:
“The Great Daffodil Appeal is my favourite time of the year and is a brilliant and fun way to support Marie Curie. But we can’t do this alone, and volunteers are so important to us during the appeal. We’re calling on the people of North Wales to once again give a couple of hours of their time with whatever fundraising activity they enjoy, mark their very own Daffodil Day and help us raise as much money as we can.
“Collecting couldn’t be simpler and our amazing team will support you from the moment you sign-up to volunteer, making sure you have everything you need to encourage the public to donate and wear one of our iconic daffodil pins.
“All the money raised will help Marie Curie continue to provide vital end of life care for terminally ill people and their families during their final days, weeks and months.”
If you’re interested in taking part in the Great Daffodil as an individual, community group, school or business in North Wales contact your community fundraiser Victoria Hardy on [email protected] or 07720 949007 to chat about your idea, request an information pack or sign up to a collection or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil
To sign up to the National Day of Reflection visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection
ENDS
Photo Caption: North Wales MS Mark Isherwood, Chair of Senedd Cross-Party Groups on Hospices and Palliative Care and on Funerals & Bereavement, with Elaine McGleish, Marie Curie Community Clinical Nurse Specialist Manager. Photo by Katy Tainton.
For more information or imagery please contact Marie Curie Senior Media and PR Officer Rachel Moses-Lloyd on 07730 617843 or email [email protected],uk
Alternatively, please speak to the MS in question’s press officer.