AN end-of-life charity is appealing to Keighley people to volunteer in support of a major annual fundraising campaign.

Marie Curie is urging supporters to give up a few hours of their time next month to distribute daffodil pins, in exchange for donations, in the town.

The Great Daffodil Appeal, now in its 38th year, is the charity's flagship fundraiser.

With backing from headline partner Superdrug, the initiative helps fund Marie Curie nurses and healthcare professionals to provide care in people's homes and at the charity's Bradford hospice.

Proceeds also help Marie Curie operate its free support line – on 0800 090 2309 – and webchat facility, which provides practical and emotional assistance to patients and loved ones.

Edson Masunda, the charity's community fundraiser for Keighley, says: "Everyone deserves expert end-of-life care and support.

"The Great Daffodil Appeal is a brilliant and fun way to join in and give back to the community in Keighley, whilst also helping us provide a vital service to those in the final chapter of their lives.

"Volunteering is simple, and our team will be on hand to support you throughout to make sure you have everything you need – including the big yellow hat – and ensure it’s the best experience possible.

"By giving up just a little of your time to collect this Great Daffodil Appeal, you will be helping Marie Curie continue to provide expert end-of-life care and support for people with any illness they are likely to die from. If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you."

Campaign manager, Amy Dreszler, says: "Today, one in four people don’t get the end-of-life care they need. Our Great Daffodil Appeal encourages people to donate and wear a daffodil pin to help the charity continue to offer support.

"Marie Curie is dependent on public donations and last year supporters helped the charity provide direct care to more than 44,200 people across the UK, via hospices and through overnight nursing care in people’s own homes.

"Supporters also help fund our free phone service which offers practical and emotional help on everything from symptom management to day-to-day care, as well as financial information and bereavement support."

During the campaign, daffodil pin badges will also be available from Superdrug stores, including the outlet in Keighley's Airedale Shopping Centre.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Edson on 07704 309551 or edson.masunda@mariecurie.org.uk

For more about the appeal, visit Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil