END of life charity Marie Curie is calling for people across the Wellington and West Somerset areas to spring into action and volunteer for this year’s Great Daffodil Appeal.
Marie Curie provides expert care and support at the end of a person’s life but said one in four people still do not receive the care they need.
Its Great Daffodil Appeal encourages people to donate and wear a daffodil pin to help the charity continue to support people with any illness from which they are likely to die.
The charity is calling on local residents to support the appeal in March by giving up a few hours of their time to distribute the iconic daffodil pins in exchange for a donation.
The appeal is the charity’s flagship fund-raiser and helps to raise much-needed funds for Marie Curie Nurses and healthcare professionals to provide expert support and hospice care in the comfort of people’s homes in Somerset.
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 anybody with a life-threatening illness 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.
Marie Curie Somerset community fund-raiser Hannah Drury said: “Whether you are an Arthur, an Aliyah, a Zoe, or a Zayn - everybody deserves expert end of life care and support.
“The Great Daffodil Appeal, now in its 38th year, is a brilliant and fun way to join in and give back to our local community while also helping us provide a vital service to those in the final chapter of their lives.
“Volunteering is super simple, and our team will be on hand to support you throughout to make sure you have everything you need, including the big yellow hat, and ensure it is the best experience possible.
“By giving up your time to collect this Great Daffodil Appeal, you will 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.
“If you are interested, we would love to hear from you.”
The appeal is backed by pharmacy chain Superdrug, which has supported the charity through all of its 800-plus stores nationwide since 2013 and raised more than £11 million.
Anybody interested in volunteering can contact Ms Drury by calling 0117 924 7275 or 07753 258937, or they can find more information or donate by visiting the charity’s website here.