Gavin Newlands MP and Fay Ripley help launch Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, and Cold Feet actress Fay Ripley have joined forces this March to help Marie Curie provide care and support to more people living with a terminal illness.

The Member of Parliament for Paisley and Renfrewshire North and long-term Marie Curie supporter Fay were pictured together with Marie Curie Nurses, Victoria Shodeko and Victoria Oluwalogbon, at a parliamentary event to celebrate the launch of the Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign.

From March 1st, Marie Curie’s daffodil pins will be available from volunteers and shops on high streets across Renfrewshire  With demand for Marie Curie services growing, as more people die each year, the charity hopes that this March, more people than ever will give a donation and wear the iconic yellow flower.

The 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.

Gavin pledged his support to the appeal and is encouraging local people to help the charity raise more money than ever before by simply giving a donation and wearing a Marie Curie daffodil pin.

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:

“I am happy to be once again supporting Marie Curie’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal. This annual campaign is a simple way in which you can show your support to those with a terminal illness and in the process helping to raise some funds as well for this fantastic cause.

“This campaign has been running since 1986 and through the generous support of thousands of ordinary folk up and down the country, the campaign has been able to support those with a terminal illness.

“The Great Daffodil Appeal will be running throughout March and I would encourage everyone to support this fantastic cause.”

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 Gavin Newlands MP 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:

‘Having the support of Gavin and Fay makes a huge difference to our Great Daffodil Appeal.

“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:

‘Wearing a daffodil is a really easy way to show your support for the thousands of families affected by terminal illness. Everyone deserves to be cared for at the end of their life.

“Every penny raised, every daffodil worn, helps fund our vital care and support.  It means I can be there for someone who is dying.  We urgently need as many people as possible to give a donation this year and wear their daffodil with pride.

‘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, visitwww.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil or call free on 0800 304 7025.  You can also text DAFF to 70099 to donate £5.