North Down MLA Gordon Dunne joined Joan McEwan (Head of Policy & Public Affairs) from Marie Curie and Health Minister Jim Wells to help launch the charity’s Great Daffodil Appeal (GDA) in the Long Gallery at Stormont Buildings.

The event was attended by a host of MLAs, who had the opportunity to hear first-hand from patients, volunteers, Marie Curie nurses, supporters and charity’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs Joan McEwan about the many ways Marie Curie is providing effective palliative care and campaigning for people living with a terminal illness to have access to the services and support they need at end of life.

Mr Dunne 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."

GDA is Marie Curie’s flagship fundraising drive, encourages people to donate to the appeal and wear an iconic daffodil during March. Funds raised through the GDA will be used to provide expert care and support to around 2000 people living with a terminal illness, and their families, across NI every year. Last year more many volunteers in NI helped support the GDA, raising very significant funds to help this very worthy cause. To find out how you can get involved in the Great Daffodil Appeal visit mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil or call 0845 601 3107.

Marie Curie is the leading charity providing care to people living with any terminal illness in their own homes or in one of its nine hospices. The charity is also a leader in research into the best ways of caring for people with a terminal illness. In addition to this the charity designs and advises on end of life services and works to ensure that the best possible care and patient choice is at the heart of commissioning end of life care across the UK. Around 70% of the charity’s income comes from donations with the balance of funds coming from the NHS.

Gordon Dunne MLA, Sandra Fulton, Marie Curie Nurse, Health Minister Jim Wells and Cllr Stephen Dunne