Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal has begun its UK tour.

Shoppers in Glasgow have been sharing memories of loved ones lost to cancer on Marie Curie’s “Great Big Daffodil”.

The seven-foot flower is touring the country to raise funds for the charity while giving people who have lost friends and relatives the opportunity to pay tributes.

Laura McCusker, from Glasgow, was the first to sign the flower when it arrived at the city’s Silverburn shopping centre this week.

Laura’s dad John was cared for and died at the Marie Curie Glasgow hospice exactly a year ago.

She said: “Marie Curie holds a special place in my heart. Although my dad was only in the hospice for seven days, he received the best care possible throughout his diagnosis.

“The love, care and compassion showed by all the staff and volunteers was overwhelming.

“Even after my dad’s passing, Marie Curie still supports my family through dealing with our bereavement. I take comfort in knowing my dad felt secure, comfortable and at peace when he died in the hospice – for this I will always be thankful for Marie Curie.”

Marie Curie nurses are joining the giant flower as it tours the UK, visiting seven cities and travelling over 1,000 miles. Every March the Great Daffodil Appeal calls on people to donate and wear one of Marie Curie’s daffodil pins to raise vital funds for the charity.

The first person to sign the daffodil this year was Prince Charles, while justice secretary Humza Yousaf lent his support to the campaign in Glasgow.

Marie Curie registered nurse Siobhan Fairhurst said: “I’m honoured to visit the Great Big Daffodil. It’s special to come and promote the team and the work we do.

“I’ve been a Marie Curie Nurse for two years and we have a fantastic team and workplace at the Marie Curie Hospice, Glasgow. We put our heart and soul into caring for people in the hospice and the community.”

The daffodil will be on display at Silverburn until 9pm on Tuesday, after which it will travel to Belfast.