Alex Cunningham joined actress and presenter Linda Robson to “get behind the daffodil” this March and help Marie Curie Nurses provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness.
The Stockton North MP and Linda were pictured together with Marie Curie nurses, Leonie Christian and Elisabeth Goze, at a parliamentary event in Westminster to celebrate the launch of the Great Daffodil Appeal – Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign.
The Labour MP pledged his support to the appeal and is encouraging local people to help the charity raise more money than ever before by simply giving a donation and wearing a Marie Curie daffodil pin.
To coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Appeal, Marie Curie has also published a new report showing that people living with blood or brain cancer – which together account for around ten per cent of cancer deaths annually – are more likely to miss out on care and support focussed on providing relief from symptoms, pain and emotional stress.
Alex said:
“Everyone should have access to palliative care when they need it, so it is distressing that so many people continue to miss out on the care they are entitled to in their hour of need. I continue to do all that I can to help ensure that those with a terminal illness know what services and benefits they are entitled to, and to work with local NHS services to improve access to high-quality palliative care for those who need it.
“The important services provided by organisations such as Marie Curie rely on charitable donations, and I would like to encourage everyone to support the Great Daffodil Appeal by donating what they can and wearing a daffodil pin this March.”
Linda, a long-time supporter of Marie Curie having experienced first-hand the vital work of the charity, said: “Our mum Rita was cared for by Marie Curie and we could never have coped without their constant support and care in her final months. Our family still cannot put into words just how grateful we are. I’m delighted to be here with Alex to help launch the 30th anniversary of the Great Daffodil Appeal – and to thank personally Leonie and Elisabeth for their incredible care and support when we needed them most.”
Scott Sinclair, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Marie Curie, said: “Having the support of Alex and Linda makes a huge difference to Marie Curie in terms of raising awareness about what we do and helping us to reach more people who need us. We know that seven out of ten carers say people with a terminal illness don’t get all the care and support they need. We don’t think that’s good enough. That’s why we are asking MPs to commit to ensuring that everyone has the right to palliative care when they need it and help support our annual fundraising appeal.”
