Marie Curie Cancer Care visits Scottish Parliament

Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker joined Marie Curie Cancer Care at the Scottish Parliament this week to learn more about the work carried about by the charity to provide free end of life care to people with terminal illnesses.

Sporting one of the charity’s daffodil pins in support of the annual Great Daffodil Appeal, Bill Walker spoke to Marie Curie nurses and staff about the free end of life care available to local communities across Scotland.

During the event, sponsored by Mary Scanlon MSP, Mr Walker was also informed about the importance of donations in helping Marie Curie nurses provide more free care to people with terminal illnesses in their own homes or one of the charity’s hospices. Every 5 minutes someone in the UK dies without the care they need at the end of their life. Each donation received by Marie Curie helps look after more people at the end of their life in their place of choice.

People across Dunfermline can support Marie Curie Cancer Care by:
1.    Raising awareness by making a donation and wearing a daffodil pin in March.
2.    Leaving a gift in their will.
3.    Taking part in one of Marie Curie’s events – there is something to suit everyone from highland walks to skinny dips.
4.    Joining a fundraising group and helping with fundraising in their local community.
5.    Volunteering their time – from supporting Marie Curie’s shops and hospices to helping at events.
Mr Walker said: “Marie Curie and their committed, dedicated nurses do an incredible job in supporting people in the last stages of their lives. They rely on donations to keep doing the tremendous work they do, so I wish them great success with their Great Daffodil Appeal.”

Commenting upon the importance of continued support for the charity, Emily Hogg, Legacy Adviser who organised the event for Marie Curie said: “Every March, people can support our Great Daffodil Appeal by making a donation and wearing one of our daffodil pins. However, there are many ways for people to support Marie Curie all year round.  For example, we depend greatly on the donations left to us in Wills and every gift, whatever size, helps us to meet the challenges of providing free care for terminally ill patients. Currently Gifts left in Wills fund the equivalent of two in every three Marie Curie Nurses so are a vital income stream to the charity.”

To access a Marie Curie Nurse, speak to your GP or district nurse.

For more information on any of the above, please visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk.

Bill Walker MSP with Marie Curie nurse Fiona Minto