Neil Hamilton, AM for Mid & West Wales, has pledged to encourage constituents to donate and wear their iconic Marie Curie daffodil throughout February and March, to help the charity’s Nurses provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness.

Mr Hamilton joined forces with Marie Curie Chief Executive Matthew Reed alongside Marie Curie Nurses, at an event at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, on Wednesday February 5 to help launch the Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign. Awards were also presented to volunteers from across Wales for their dedication to the charity.

As well as lending his support to the appeal, Neil Hamilton is also encouraging Mid and West Wales people to help the charity raise more money than ever before simply by giving a donation and wearing a Marie Curie daffodil pin, available from volunteers across Wales, Marie Curie shops, Superdrug, Spar, Hotter Shoes and the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group.

Neil Hamilton said: “Funds raised through the Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal help provide care and support to people at a time when they need it most, be that through a Marie Curie nurse at home or in a hospice, or by speaking to the charity’s Information and Support line.

“I know the people of Wales will join me in supporting people affected by terminal illness across the country by proudly wearing their Marie Curie daffodil throughout February and March.

“I would also like to pay tribute to hardworking volunteers who do their utmost every year to raise money for this very worthwhile cause. Congratulations to Cor Curiad, a group of ladies from my Region who received the Outstanding Contribution to Wales Award.”

The Great Daffodil appeal made around £6 million last year and £120 million in total has been raised since the campaign began in 1986.

Over 2,700 Marie Curie Nurses work across the country in people’s homes and the charity’s nine hospices, providing 1.2 million hours of nursing care every year.

Simon Jones, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Wales, for Marie Curie, added: “To have the support of Neil Hamilton makes a huge difference to Marie Curie. With their help we are able to raise awareness about what we do and reach more people who need us.”

To volunteer for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal and give out the charity’s daffodils pins in return for donations visit mariecurie.org.uk/collect or call free on 0800 304 7025.