Local AM Dai Lloyd pledges to “get behind the daffodil” for Marie Curie this February

South Wales West AM, Dai Lloyd has pledged to encourage constituents to donate and wear their iconic Marie Curie daffodil throughout February and March to help the charity’s Nurses provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness.

Dai Lloyd joined forces with Marie Curie Nurses Helen Siddons and Lisa Jones at an event at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday 20th February to help launch the Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign.

As well lending his support to the appeal, Dai Lloyd is also encouraging South Wales West 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 Wales, Marie Curie shops, Superdrug, Spar, Hotter Shoes and Wyevale garden centres.

The Great Daffodil appeal is now in its 33rd year and the charity highlighted its Pontypool-based Information and Support Line service during the event.

Whether you have practical questions or just want someone to talk to, the trained team on the Marie Curie Information and Support Line, based in Pontypool and open to people across Wales and the UK, are here to listen and give you the information you need. The line has recently expanded to include Marie Curie clinical nurse specialists who to support members of the public to better understand treatments and symptoms of terminal illness, giving people reassurance, confidence and comfort.

Dai Lloyd said: “Funds raised through the Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal help provide care and support to people at a time when they need it the most, be that through a Marie Curie nurse at home or in a hospice, or by speaking to the charity’s Information and Support line. I hope the people of Wales will join me in supporting people affected by terminal illness across the country by proudly wearing their Marie Curie daffodil throughout February and March.”

Simon Jones, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Wales, for Marie Curie, added: “To have the support of Dai Lloyd makes a huge difference to Marie Curie. With their help we are able to raise awareness about what we do and reach more people who need us.

“Our services rely on charitable donations, so I’d like to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone who gives a donation and wears a daffodil pin this February and March. 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, in homes across Wales, as well as in the charity’s Cardiff & the Vale Hospice in Penarth.”

Awards were also presented to volunteers from across Wales for their dedication and support of Marie Curie.

To volunteer for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal and give out the charity’s daffodils pins in return for donations visit mariecurie.org.uk/collect or call free on 0800 304 7025.