Manchester Withington MP Jeff Smith and Harry Potter actor Jason Isaacs have joined forces to ‘Make Every Daffodil Count’ and help Marie Curie provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness.

Jeff pledged his support to the daffodil 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, available from volunteers across the country, or Superdrug, Spar and Poundworld stores, and Wyevale Garden Centres, during March.

Jeff said: “Marie Cure staff provide vital care for more than 50,000 people living with terminal illnesses across the UK.

Their nurses and hospices are renowned for the specialist medical knowledge and emotional support they provide, so I’m happy to be supporting this year’s Daffodil appeal.”

Jason, who is best known for playing Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, said: “I’m delighted to be here with Jeff to help launch Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal.

“Please help us make every daffodil count.  The charity is also calling on more people to help with local collections.  Volunteering a couple hours of your time will make such a difference to the care and support that Marie Curie can provide.”

Scott Sinclair, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Marie Curie, said: “Having the support of Jeff and Jason makes a huge difference to Marie Curie in terms of raising awareness about what we do and helping us to reach more people who need us.

“One in four people miss out on the care and support they need at the end of life.  We don’t think that’s good enough. That’s why we are asking MPs to help support our annual Marie Curie fundraising appeal to help enable us to reach more people affected by terminal illness.”

“Our 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.”

Sally Monger Godfrey, Marie Curie Nurse and face of The Great Daffodil Appeal, said: “Make every daffodil count. Your daffodil means I can care for someone in their own home, and be there for them through the night. You make a difference to people at the end of their lives, which in many ways is just as important as at the start.”

For more information about volunteering for a local collection call 0800 304 7025 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil.