SILHILLIANS are being asked to get their thinking caps on to help raise funds for the Marie Curie Hospice as part of its annual Great Daffodil Appeal.
The charity’s flagship fundraiser – which is reaching its 35th anniversary next month – has, for the first time, had to cancel all of their public collections for the campaign.
The charity now faces a potential loss of over £3million due to this, but is encouraging people to support in a variety of creative ways.
One way the charity is hoping their supporters will back the campaign is by donning their trainers, getting out in the great outdoors every day and walking 10,000 steps.
The Marie Curie Hospice has been a part of Solihull for the past 65 years, providing crucial support to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones either in their homes or at the Hospice.
It offers a bereavement support to adults and children, as well as support groups for patients and loved ones and end of life care.
Amy McNaughton-Brown fundraising engagement lead at the Solihul hospice said: “In March we would usually see our supporters taking to the streets to give out daffodils in exchange for donations.
“As this can’t take place this year, we are calling on the people of Solihull to find other ways to support the Great Daffodil Appeal.
“Whether it is taking on a two hour challenge or signing up to ‘step into spring’, you can find lots of fun ways to support your local Hospice and ensure we can continue to be there for more people at the end of their lives.”
Allison Waterhouse, the Solihull hospice’s fundraising manager said each volunteer would raise £80 from a collection shift -enough to pay for the equivalent of four hours of nursing care.
During the Great Daffodil Appeal the first annual National Day of Reflection will take place on March 23, one year since the first lockdown began.
Marie Curie is calling on residents to come together to wear daffodils and remember them in a minutes silence at 12pm on the day.
The Marsh Lane hospice will be streaming a reflective service on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MarieCurieHospiceWestMidlands
For more about the Great Daffodil Appeal visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil
