Jeff Smith MP and Marie Curie ambassador Chris Kamara were among those who teamed up at an event in Westminster on Wednesday 20 March, to celebrate the UK’s leading end of life charity’s 38^th Great Daffodil Appeal.

Meeting with Marie Curie Healthcare Assistant Cherry Rowland, Jeff pledged his support to the appeal and encouraged local people in Manchester Withington to donate and wear one of Marie Curie’s iconic daffodil pins.

Every March, the Great Daffodil Appeal encourages people to donate and wear a daffodil pin to raise money to help Marie Curie continue its vital work. Currently, one in four people don’t get the care and support they need at the end of life.

The money raised helps Marie Curie provide expert care and support to anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from, and support those close to them, either through one of the charity’s hospices,  hospice care at home services, or free Information and Support line which provides practical and emotional support on any aspect of death, dying and bereavement.

Jeff Smith said:

“Everyone should receive the best possible care and support at the end of their life, but sadly too many miss out. That’s why I’m proud to be supporting Marie Curie on their mission to close the gap in end of life care and make sure everyone gets the care and support they need.”

Ruth Driscoll, Associate Director of Policy and Public Affairs England at Marie Curie, said:

“Right now, too many people are dying in pain, in poverty and alone. Services and staff are stretched to their limits, carers and families don’t know where to turn for help. We can’t let the crisis in end of life care continue. Over three million people will die during the next Parliament, leaving 16 million bereaved.

“Marie Curie is working hard to ensure that everyone has the best possible care at the end of their lives and we are delighted to have support from all political parties.

“Thank you to Jeff Smith for attending our event to meet our wonderful ambassador Chris and our staff who are so vital to the Great Daffodil Appeal every year. Supporters like you are so important in raising awareness of our vital work.”

Chris Kamara, who became a Marie Curie ambassador in 2010, after his mother Irene received care from the charity before she died, said:

“As a long-time ambassador of Marie Curie, I have seen first-hand the great work they do to support people at the end of life.

“Marie Curie supported my dear mum in 2003, and I’ll always be grateful for their care and expertise in her time of need.

“The work Marie Curie do is needed now more than ever, and the charity is determined that its care and support reaches everyone – whatever the illness. That’s why I’m urging everyone to show their support for the Great Daffodil Appeal in any way they can.”

Last year, Marie Curie provided direct expert end of life care and support to more than 44,200 people across the UK. By 2028, the charity aims to grow that number to 100,000.