Ogmore MS urges people to host their own Daffodil Day for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal

Huw Irranca-Davies is calling on the people of Ogmore to host their own Daffodil Day as leading end of life charity Marie Curie launches its biggest annual fundraising appeal.

The charity is also calling on volunteers in Ogmore to give just two hours of their time to hand out the charity’s iconic daffodil pins in return for donations.

The charity launched its Great Daffodil Appeal at the Senedd for the first time in three years earlier this month.  This year collections are going ahead in Ogmore and Marie Curie is urging new and existing supporters to come forward to show their support.  People can also support the appeal by hosting a Daffodil Day and fundraising in whatever way works for them – a bake sale, a fitness challenge or whatever sparks their inspiration – which Huw Irranca-Davies MS is also encouraging constituents to join.

Last year Marie Curie provided direct support to more than 3,000 people in Wales, including bereavement support. They are dependent on public donations so their nurses can continue working on the frontline caring for people at the end of life.  Their annual National Day of Reflection will take place on 23rd March when the charity encourages everyone to wear a daffodil pin and take a moment to show their support for the millions of people bereaved during the pandemic and remember the people we’ve lost.

Communities are also being encouraged to create their own Walls of Reflection and contribute memories of loved ones who’ve died. People might choose to include photos, poems, objects, music, stories, articles, hobbies, and other memories as the display builds up in the 2 weeks before the day itself.

Huw Irranca-Davies MS said:  “I am always pleased to support Marie Curie’s Daffodil Appeal and all their fantastic work.  It is so important that everyone has support and care at the end of their life and the wonderful charity are there for people and their loved ones when they need it most.

I’ll be wearing my daffodil with pride and would encourage people across Ogmore to show their support in any way they can by hosting a Daffodil Day. Every donation means that when the time comes, Marie Curie can be there for people and their loved ones when they need it most.

Marie Curie Head of Fundraising in Wales, Sara Bass, said: “The Great Daffodil Appeal is my favourite time of the year and is a brilliant and fun way to support Marie Curie.  But we can’t do this alone, and volunteers are so important to us during the appeal.  We’re calling on the people of Ogmore to give a couple of hours of their time once again with whatever fundraising activity they enjoy, mark their very own Daffodil Day, and help us raise as much money as we can.

“Holding a Daffodil Day couldn’t be simpler, and our amazing team will support you from the moment you sign-up to volunteer, making sure you have everything you need to encourage the public to donate and wear one of our iconic daffodil pins.

“All the money raised will help Marie Curie continue to provide vital end of life care for terminally ill people and their families during their final days, weeks and months.”

If you’re interested in taking part in the Great Daffodil Appeal or host a Daffodil Day as an individual, community group, school or business in Ogmore, contact your community fundraiser Ali Discombe on 07515 134710  or alison.discombe@mariecurie.org.uk to chat about your idea, request an information pack or sign up to a collection or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

To sign up to the National Day of Reflection visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection