Across Scotland 58 Marie Curie collections have been cancelled

Terminal illness charity Marie Curie has said that the beast from the east is hampering fundraising efforts as it kicks off its biggest annual appeal.

The Great Daffodil Appeal, which launched on Thursday and runs throughout March, sees thousands of volunteer collectors across Scotland hitting the streets to hand out the charity’s iconic daffodil pins in exchange for donations.

But while the appeal is usually accompanied by the first signs of spring, heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures have meant that many volunteers are unable to make it to their collections and would-be donors are staying at home rather than brave the high street.

Across Scotland 58 collections have been cancelled and Marie Curie has estimated it has potentially lost as much as £25,000 in Scottish donations.

The charity is aiming to raise half a million pounds in Scotland from this year’s appeal and hope to be back on track with collections as the weather improves.

With over 1,000 collections across the UK at risk over this weekend, Marie Curie has estimated that it could potentially lose as much as £400,000 in donations UK-wide.

In light of the extreme weather, the charity is highlighting the many ways to get involved in the appeal, which includes donating online and making a donation via text-to-donate (Text DAFF to 70111 to donate £5).

It is also reminding people to pick up their daffodil later in the month once the weather improves.

Paul Thompson, Marie Curie head of community fundraising for Scotland, said: “We’re really excited to be kicking off this year’s appeal but the extreme weather is certainly proving a challenge.

“Our hospice and nursing staff are going to great lengths to keep care and support going for terminally ill people but we are worried that we need to keep donations coming in too. We want people to know that they can also donate online and via text. The money raised is vitally important to ensuring that as many people as possible can receive our nursing care.

“I know that our amazing volunteer collectors always go the extra mile for us, so I would also ask that they keep themselves safe and warm if there are extreme conditions where they are.”

Marie Curie says that this year’s appeal is urgently needed as one in four people in Scotland currently don’t receive the care and support they need at the end of their life. The charity also warns that with the population getting older, demand on the charity’s services is set to increase.

The money raised from the appeal will help Marie Curie Nurses be there for more people living with a terminal illness. Marie Curie Nurses visit people in their own homes to give one-to-one care, and support those looking after them – helping families and carers to make the most of the time they have together.

The charity also provides practical information and support, funds research and campaigns for more people to have access to high quality, personalised care wherever and whenever they need it.

To find out more about the Great Daffodil Appeal, visit here or call free on 0800 304 7025.