Eastleigh MP, Mims Davies, and Cold Feet actress Fay Ripley have joined forces this March to help Marie Curie provide vital care and support to more people living with a terminal illness.
Mims and long-term Marie Curie supporter Fay were joined by Marie Curie Nurses, Victoria Shodeko and Victoria Oluwalogbon, at a parliamentary event held this week to celebrate the launch of the Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign.
Mims said:
“I know from personal experience how providing end-of-life care can be a devastating and stressful time for all involved – and to share this weight with palliative care experts, such as Marie Curie nurses, makes an enormous difference as families prepare to say goodbye to loved ones.
“From March 1st, Marie Curie’s daffodil pins will be available from volunteers and shops on high streets across Eastleigh. With demand for Marie Curie services growing, as more people die each year, we can all show our support by popping on the iconic yellow daffodil pin.
“Of course we’re also proud to have a Marie Curie charity shop in Chandler’s Ford and a very active group of ambassadors working in our local area to fundraise and raise awareness. Many know, as I do, a friend or loved one who has been supported by a Marie Curie nurse.
“I am particularly struck by the organisation’s efforts to support individuals from the LGBT community to ensure they do not feel alone at the end of their life – especially those who grew up in a time of prejudice and discrimination, and now still do not feel comfortable accessing social care services.
“All money raised will help the charity be there for more people living with any terminal illness, providing them and their loved ones with vital care and support at the most difficult time of their lives.”
Fay Ripley, who is best known for her role in the ITV series Cold Feet and also as a recipe author, said:
"I’m delighted to be here with Mims to help launch Marie Curie’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal.
“Chances are, we all know someone who’s been affected by a terminal illness, so it’s absolutely crucial that families have the care and support they need at such a difficult time. I hope that as many people as possible wear a daffodil this March and understand that in doing so, they are making a huge difference for people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones.”
Scott Sinclair, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Marie Curie, said:
“We ask people to wear a daffodil on their lapel throughout the month to show not only their support for the work of our Marie Curie Nurses, but also to help us highlight the many issues that people affected by terminal illness confront. We believe that everyone should have the best quality of care and the best quality of life possible when they are dying.”
Marie Curie Rapid Response Nurse Victoria Shodeko said:
“Marie Curie services rely on charitable donations, so I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who gives a donation and wears a daffodil pin during March.”
Marie Curie is there for everyone affected by a terminal illness, including those with cancer, dementia, heart or lung disease, and neurological conditions like motor neurone disease. It provides a range of services focussing on where gaps exist in high quality care and where it can reach more people. It also provides practical information and support, funds vital research and campaigns for more people to have access to high quality, personalised care wherever and whenever they need it.
To find out more about the Great Daffodil Appeal, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil or call free on 0800 304 7025. You can also text DAFF to 70099 to donate £5.
Local collections for the Great Daffodil Appeal will be taking place as follows:
- Eastleigh Railway Station Tuesday 6th March
- Brambridge Garden Centre Sat 10th March
- Haskins Garden Centre, West End Sat 10th March
Any queries contact Ray Fishman 07521 151761