Celebrate the Launch of the Great Daffodil Appeal and Support Marie Curie in Our March Charity Poll
In the UK, every 5 minutes someone with a terminal illness dies without getting the end of life care and support they need. Marie Curie is there to provide this support and care to families when they need it most. Founded in 1948, the charity is named after Marie Curie, the scientist best known for discovery of radium and polonium along with her contributions towards the fight against cancer. Providing care for over 40,000 terminally ill patients every year, the charity’s vision is a better life for those facing terminal illness and their loved ones. Ultimately, Marie Curie’s vision is to help people and their families with terminal illness make the most of the time they have left, while providing the right care, support and guidance.
How Does Marie Curie Support Terminally Ill People and Their Families?
With more and more people living with a terminal illness in the UK, Marie Curie wants to be there for patients and their families to help them cope. No matter the diagnosis, the charity is there to ensure patients are given the right care and are able to make the most of their time left. This includes helping patients to keep their independence and dignity for as long as they can, managing pain and symptoms, and providing emotional support when needed.
Marie Curie Nurses and Hospice Care
The charity has 2,160 Marie Curie Nurses who are able to provide one-to-one care and overnight support in the patient’s home.This makes it possible for patients to pass away peacefully at home with their loved ones and is a free service for people living with any form of terminal illness.
Marie Curie also has nine hospices around the UK which are there to provide expert care and support around the clock. These are friendly and welcoming environments that can provide end of life care for patients as well as day and community services. Not only are the hospices able to provide nursing and medical care, they can also provide practical, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families when needed. In addition to specialist nurses and doctors, Marie Curie Hospices offer a team of other professionals including occupational therapists, social workers, physiotherapists and and chaplaincy service.
Helper Volunteers
Marie Curie also has a team of trained helper volunteers, who are able to offer companionship, emotional support, and practical help. This can include helping patients get to appointments, or simply being there for a chat over a cup of tea. Not only do helper volunteers provide support and companionship to the patient, but they also make it possible for families and carers to take a short break, as well as being able to provide support for them up to three months after bereavement.
Support Line
Marie Curie also offers a free and confidential Support Line staffed by trained information and support officers and registered nurses. This service provides clinical and practical information, as well as emotional support for patients with terminal illnesses and their carers. Whether this is answering questions on financial support, managing symptoms, or simply providing a listening ear, the Support Line is there to help and to listen.
Research
As the largest charitable funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, Marie Curie wants to improve care for people living with a terminal illness. This is done through funding their own researchers and working alongside other organisations. Since 2010, the charity has funded over 50 research projects, with the aim of improving care and support to anyone affected by terminal illness.
How is Marie Curie Funded?
Last year, over 50,000 people living with a terminal illness and their families were supported by Marie Curie. Thanks to the generosity of their supporters and donations, all services that the charity provide are completely free. Around a third of their costs are provided from the NHS, which goes towards the cost of their hospices and nursing services, however the rest comes as a result of donations from people, companies and trusts. It’s thanks to these supporters that the charity is able to provide vital care to patients and families when they need it most.
The Great Daffodil Appeal
Every March, Marie Curie launches their famous Great Daffodil Appeal. Seen as a symbol of hope, each daffodil tells a story and they are worn in celebration, solidarity, or to honour the memory of a loved one. By donating to the charity and wearing a daffodil, each one goes towards helping Marie Curie continue to provide expert care to patients and much needed support to their families.
In honour of the launch of The Great Daffodil Appeal 2020, we have teamed up with the South West branch of Marie Curie to support them in our March charity poll. Cast your vote today for this incredible charity and support Marie Curie this March!
For more information, and how to find out more about the charity, visit their website.