MARIE Curie’s Community Fundraiser has made a very personal appeal for people to support the charity.

Kelly Maton’s mother, Denise, died on Christmas Day, 2012 so she knows just how tough this time of year can be on families dealing with terminal illness. Marie Curie has been unable to hold its traditional collections this year due to the pandemic.

So the charity is asking people to organise their own fundraising challenge or donate to Give a Shift - where they can give money that would normally have been used for things like takeaway coffees or commuting.

Kelly said: “I know that for families facing terminal illness Christmas can seem impossibly hard. I understand the importance of having expert support when loved ones are dying. That’s why I’m urging people to make a difference this Christmas.” To find out more visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bradfordhospicechristmas or www.mariecurie.org.uk.