Highlands and Islands MSP, Rhoda Grant, lent her support to Marie Curie’s largest fundraising appeal month, the iconic Great Daffodil Appeal.
Every five minutes, someone dies without the care they need. The Great Daffodil Appeal, now in its 39th year, encourages everyone to wear their daffodil pins and donate to the end of life charity through the month of March to help Marie Curie bring expert end of life care to more people.
Meeting with staff and volunteers from Marie Curie, Rhoda Grant heard about the care and support that is provided to people living with terminal illness, their families and carers across Scotland.
The event promoted Marie Curie’s campaign to ensure that everyone no matter who they are, where they are or their diagnosis has access to the care and support they need at the end of life.
The leading end of life charity supported 7200 terminally ill people across Scotland in their own homes and at its two Scottish hospices during 2023/24.
Rhoda Grant MSP said: “I am pleased to support the Great Daffodil Appeal again this year, highlighting the incredible work of Marie Curie in caring for people living with a terminal illness, while supporting their families and carers through what is possibly the hardest time of their lives.
“As an end of life charity, Marie Curie cares for people with varying conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, and advanced cancer.”
Anne Lane, whose sister Mags was cared for by Marie Cure, spoke at the event. She said: “It wasn’t just Mags who benefited from the incredible work of Marie Curie.
“As her family, we too found immeasurable comfort and guidance during what was an unimaginably difficult time.
“The staff took the time to explain every step, every option, and did so in a way that made us feel seen and heard. They knew our names, our faces, and our worries, and in some miraculous way, made those worries just a little bit lighter.
“Through counselling and emotional support, they helped us navigate not just Mags’s final days, but also our own intricate web of emotions. They reminded us that we were not alone.”
Amy Dalrymple, Associate Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Marie Curie, Scotland, said: “Thank you to Rhoda Grant for her ongoing support.
“Seeing and hearing first-hand stories of how living with a terminal illness and caring for someone is a reminder that many of us have and will encounter Marie Curie at some point in our lives.
“We know that by 2040, a further 10,000 people will be dying with palliative care needs. We need to ensure Marie Curie can be there for everyone across Scotland who needs us, which is why buying a daffodil pin and supporting our Great Daffodil Appeal in March, can help make this possible.
“There’s only one chance to give someone the best possible end of life.
“And one chance for you to help give care that makes all that possible. Care that protects someone’s dignity – instead of leaving them alone or in pain. This Great Daffodil Appeal is that chance.
“Every five minutes, someone dies without the support they need. But by donating and wearing your daffodil this March, you can change that – and help our Marie Curie Nurses bring expert end of life care when there’s no cure, whatever the illness.
“The Great Daffodil Appeal only happens once a year. This is your chance to make it count.”
For information and to donate visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil
