13/03/2014

Marie Curie Launches Great Daffodil Appeal

Cancer charity Marie Curie's Great Daffodil Appeal has been launched today at Stormont.

Health Minister Edwin Poots spoke at the parliament buildings to launch the appeal across Northern Ireland.

"The personal and moving stories and memories that are shared as part of the Daffodil Appeal campaign should make all of us stop and think about how much we as a society, and as individuals, owe to the work that Marie Curie does across the UK and in particular here in Northern Ireland," he said.

The Great Daffodil Appeal is Marie Curie's biggest annual fundraising appeal, which encourages everyone to make a donation and wear a daffodil pin during March. All funds help Marie Curie Nurses provide free care to people with terminal illnesses in their own homes across Northern Ireland and in the Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast.

Joan McEwan, Head of Policy and Public Affairs for Marie Curie in Northern Ireland, said: "Lack of awareness by both the public and clinicians about available care is a real barrier to people accessing the care they need and in the place they want.

"The evidence highlights a compelling need to dispel myths and taboos around death and dying, and raise awareness of palliative care with public education and open communication. This includes supporting our clinicians with the right tools to address the difficult conversation."

Other speakers at the event included Maeve McLaughlin, Chair of the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Jim Wells, Deputy Chair of the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

(IT/JP)

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