I joined forces with actor Stephen Mangan to help Marie Curie provide care and support to more people living with a terminal illness.

Above you can see me with Marie Curie Ambassador Stephen and Marie Curie Rapid Response Healthcare Assistant Patricia McDonnell at the parliamentary event to celebrate the launch of the Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign, held every March.

I pledged my support to the Appeal and is encouraging local people to donate and wear one of the charity’s daffodil pins to help fund vital care and support for people living with a terminal illness, and their families.

Every five minutes, someone in the UK dies without getting the care and support they need at the end of their life. The money raised from the Appeal will help Marie Curie be there for more people living with any terminal illness such as terminal cancer, dementia, heart failure, and motor neurone disease.

Launched in 1986, the Appeal is crucial in raising much-needed funds to enable the charity to continue to provide nursing and hospice care, fund research and campaign on behalf of everyone affected by terminal illness.

The charity’s free national Support Line now also offers clinical support, enabling anyone with a terminal illness to access a Marie Curie Nurse.  The Information and Support Nurses can answer any clinical questions or concerns people may have, from understanding a diagnosis to explaining treatments, or talking about painful and distressing symptoms.

Actor Stephen Mangan said: “I experienced first-hand the difference they make when they card for both mum and later, my dad at home.

“Chances are, we all know someone who’s been affected by a terminal illness. That’s why I’m delighted to be here with Janet Daby to help launch Marie Curie’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal.

“Whether its worn in celebration, in solidarity or in memory of a loved one, by donating and wearing a daffodil pin during March, you and thousands of others in Lewisham East will help make sure thousands more dying people get the care and support they deserve.”

Marie Curie Rapid Response Healthcare Assistant Patricia McDonnell, said: “Behind every daffodil, there’s a story. Whatever your story, donating and wearing a Marie Curie daffodil will help make sure we can be there for more people when they need us the most.  I know how important it is to be there for patients and families when they are struggling to manage painful and distressing symptom flare-ups and cope with moments of crisis. Your donation can help us provide more care and support to people living with a terminal illness, and their families at the right time and in the right way that suits them.”

“Marie Curie services rely on the generosity of the public, so I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who gives a donation and wears a daffodil pin during March.”

Daffodil pins will be available from high streets across the country, Marie Curie shops and stores including Superdrug, Spar, Hotter Shoes and Wyevale Garden Centres.

To find out more about the Great Daffodil Appeal, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil. Share your memory using #everydaffodil. To Donate £5 to Marie Curie, text DAFF to 70111.

The Information and Support Nurses can be accessed through the Support Line on the existing number; 0800 090 2309 from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.*