Gerald Jones 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.

Gerald 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.

Gerald pledged his 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.

Gerald 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.”

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.

Actor Stephen Mangan, said:  “I experienced first-hand the difference they make when they cared for both my mum and later, my dad at home.

“Chances are, we all know someone who’s been affected by a terminal illness. That’s why I’m delighted to be here with Gerald Jones 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 Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney 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 Gerald 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.”

Daffodil pins will be available from high streets across the country, Marie Curie shops and stores including Superdrug, Spar, Hotter Shoes and Wyevale Garden Centres.

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.

The Information and Support Nurses can be accessed through the Support Line on the existing number; 0800 090 2309 from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.*

Marie Curie – care and support through terminal illness

• Please note – we are now called ‘Marie Curie’ (not Marie Curie Cancer Care)
• Marie Curie is the UK’s leading charity for people with any terminal illness. The charity helps people living with a terminal illness and their families make the most of the time they have together by delivering expert hands-on care, emotional support, research and guidance. Marie Curie employs more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, and with its nine hospices around the UK, is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS.
• If you are in need of support, or have any questions about any aspect of terminal illness, call the Marie Curie Information & Support Line free on 0800 090 2309 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/help.
• The charity is testing the clinical support service to make sure that it is meeting the needs of people affected by terminal illness. The Information and Support Nurses can be accessed through the Support Line on the existing number; 0800 090 2309 from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.*

About the Great Daffodil Appeal

• The Great Daffodil Appeal is Marie Curie’s biggest fundraising campaign, held every March.
• Every donation and daffodil worn helps Marie Curie provide vital care for people living with a terminal illness and support for their families.
• 8 million daffodil pins are distributed each year.
• £6 million was raised last year and £114 million total raised since the campaign began in 1986.
• Over 2,000 Marie Curie Nurses work across the country in people’s homes and the charity’s nine hospices, providing 1.2 million hours of nursing care every year.
• Daffodil pins are available from volunteers on high streets across the country. Marie Curie shops, and stores including Superdrug, Spar, Hotter and Wyevale Garden Centres.
• Visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil or call 0800 304 7025 for more information.