MLA urges people to support daffodil appeal

The Great Daffodil Appeal is Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising appeal.

All funds raised will help Marie Curie Nurses provide more free care to people with terminal illnesses in their own homes and in the Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast.

Mr Anderson added: “Sadly many of us will have lost loved ones and close friends to cancer, so we are all too aware of the devastation which cancer can bring upon a family.

“It is only through support from special charities like Marie Curie that families and relatives can get through such a trial as that faced by a cancer sufferer.

“I would pay tribute to the work of Marie Curie in their daffodil appeal and I would encourage people to support this very worthwhile cause. The Marie Curie Hospice at Kensington Road in Belfast is also a very impressive facility which provides a magnificent support structure for cancer sufferers and their families at such a difficult time.”

As well as launching the appeal, the event also aimed to raise awareness of Marie Curie services - such as providing nursing care to people with all terminal illnesses, not only those with cancer.

Joan McEwan, Head of Policy and Public Affairs for Marie Curie in Northern Ireland, highlighted that despite the many examples of great care in Northern Ireland, there were still issues with people receiving the care they need.

She said: “Terminally ill people and their families who have problems with talking about death, and the evidence, highlights a compelling need to dispel myths and taboos around death and dying, and raise awareness of palliative care with public education and open communication. This includes supporting our clinicians with the right tools to address the difficult conversation.”

Health Minister Edwin Poots spoke at the Parliament Buildings event in Stormont on Tuesday.

Mr Poots said: “The personal and moving stories and memories that are shared as part of the Daffodil Appeal campaign should make all of us stop and think about how much we as a society, and as individuals, owe to the work that Marie Curie does across the UK and in particular here in Northern Ireland.”