Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, has joined forces with actress and presenter, Linda Robson, to ‘get behind the daffodil’ this March and help Marie Curie Nurses provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness.

Catherine met up with Linda, and Marie Curie Nurses, Leonie Christian and Elisabeth Goze, at an event held in Parliament this week to celebrate the launch of the Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign.

Catherine renewed her support for Marie Curie’s work, and is encouraging her constituents 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 and WHSmiths shops, and Wyevale garden centres, during March.

Catherine said:

‘I know how vital Marie Curie’s work is in supporting people at an extremely challenging time in their lives, not just those who are ill but also their family and carers. Being able to receive good palliative care can make the world of difference to the last months and of someone’s life. Of course, Marie Curie’s work relies on donations and the Great Daffodil Appeal is a great opportunity for people to give to the charity, where they can.’

Linda Robson is a long-time supporter of Marie Curie, having experienced first-hand the vital work of the charity.  She said:

‘Our mum Rita was cared for by Marie Curie and we could never have coped without their constant support and care in her final months.  Our family still cannot put into words just how grateful we are.’

‘I’m delighted to be here with Catherine to help launch the 30th anniversary of the Great Daffodil Appeal – and to thank personally Leonie and Elisabeth for their incredible care and support when we needed them the most.’

The money raised from the Great Daffodil Appeal will help Marie Curie Nurses provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones at home and in one of the charity’s nine hospices.

To coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie has also published a new report which shows that people living with blood or brain cancer – which together account for around 10% of all cancer deaths annually – are more likely to miss out on care and support focussed on providing relief from symptoms, pain and emotional stress. The report, backed by Bloodwise and the Brain Tumour Charity, argues that all people with cancer should have their palliative care needs assessed when they are first diagnosed.