Marie Curie, the UK's leading charity for people living with a terminal illness and their families, is urgently calling for volunteers in Cheshire to give just two hours of their time to hand out the charity's iconic daffodil pins, in return for donations.
Volunteers will be supporting the Great Daffodil Appeal - Marie Curie's biggest fundraising campaign, held every March.
In the next 10 years, more than six million people will die in the UK and of this number 75% will need end of life care. The money raised from the Great Daffodil Appeal will help Marie Curie provide much-needed expert care to people with terminal illnesses, as well as support for their loved ones.
Kate and her family volunteered to collect for the Great Daffodil Appeal for the first-time last year in Chester city centre following the death of her Dad, Lambert, who was cared for at home by Marie Curie Nurses. She said:
"From the moment the Marie Curie Nurses came into our home, they gave us the support we needed to fulfil Dad's most important wish; to be at home with his family in his final days and hours.
"They made a huge difference. Alongside providing vital medical and emotional support, they also had absolute respect for our family's wishes. Without the overnight visits, I strongly believe that Dad may well have had to go into hospital. And it soon became clear that the nurses were there to support us as much as Dad.
"My family and I had been aware of Marie Curie, but we didn't understand the depth of support they offered before my dad became very ill.
"When my family and I decided to volunteer to collect for Marie Curie, we initially felt a little trepidation. We didn't quite know what it would entail, or what to expect. But it was such a therapeutic and spiritual experience for us as a family; we were there to honour our Dad and Gramps.
"It was also a positive experience because we felt we were able to give a little to other people with families who were going through a similar experience to ours."
Gina Hopwood, Mair Curie Community Fundraiser for Cheshire, said: "Whether you wear a daffodil pin in celebration, in solidarity or in memory of a loved one, you are joining with millions of others to help make sure all dying people get the care and support they deserve.
"Volunteering just two hours at a local collection is a great way to show your support and help us raise money to help make sure that we can be there for more people at the end of their lives.
"Collecting can be a lot of fun too. You can do it on your own or with family and friends, and we will support you every step of the way. Volunteering is also an easy way to get involved in your local community and meet new people."
To volunteer for Marie Curie's Great Daffodil Appeal and give out the charity's daffodils pin in return for donations, visit mariecurie.org.uk/collect or contact Gina Hopwood on Gina.hopwood@mariecurie.org.uk 07515 135 425.