Ben Lake MP and actor Stephen Mangan have joined forces this March to help Marie Curie provide care and support to more people living with a terminal illness.
Ben Lake and Marie Curie Ambassador Stephen were pictured together with Marie Curie Rapid Response Healthcare Assistant Patricia McDonnell at the parliamentary event to celebrate the launch of the Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign, held every March.
Ben pledged their support to the Appeal and is encouraging local people to donate and wear one of the charity’s daffodil pins to help fund vital care and support for people living with a terminal illness, and their families.
Ben Lake said: “Every five minutes, someone in the UK dies without getting the care and support they need at the end of their life. The money raised from the Appeal will help Marie Curie be there for more people living with any terminal illness such as terminal cancer, dementia, heart failure, and motor neurone disease.”
Launched in 1986, the Appeal is crucial in raising much-needed funds to enable the charity to continue to provide nursing and hospice care, fund research and campaign on behalf of everyone affected by terminal illness.
The charity's free national Support Line now also offers clinical support, enabling anyone with a terminal illness to access a Marie Curie Nurse. The Information and Support Nurses can answer any clinical questions or concerns people may have, from understanding a diagnosis to explaining treatments, or talking about painful and distressing symptoms.
“Chances are, we all know someone who’s been affected by a terminal illness. That’s why I’m delighted to be here with Ben Lake MP to help launch Marie Curie’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal.
“Whether its worn in celebration, in solidarity or in memory of a loved one, by donating and wearing a daffodil pin during March, you and thousands of others in Ceredigion will help make sure thousands more dying people get the care and support they deserve."
Scott Sinclair, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Marie Curie, said: “Having the support of Ben Lake MP and Stephen makes a huge difference to our Great Daffodil Appeal.
“Too many people miss out on the care and support they need. By donating and wearing a daffodil pin in March you are helping us to support more people at the most difficult time of their lives. We want to make sure that everyone affected by terminal illness, wherever they may live, gets the right support, at the right time – whether that is high quality nursing care, emotional and practical support, or fast access to the benefits they need.”
To find out more about the Great Daffodil Appeal, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil. Share your memory using #everydaffodil. To Donate £5 to Marie Curie, text DAFF to 70111.