An Ayrshire MP has teamed up with a legendary comedian and entertainer in a bid to support an end of life charity’s fundraising drive.
Allan Dorans, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, met with Paul Chuckle – best known for being one-half of comedy duo The Chuckle Brothers – to pledge their support for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal.
The pair are encouraging residents across the region to donate to the appeal and wear one of the charity’s daffodil pins to help fund vital care and support for people living with a terminal illness, and their families.
Donations also support the charity’s Information and Support line, which provides a listening ear to anyone dealing with any aspect of grief and bereavement.
The campaign, held every March, was forced to axe its public collections in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
But this year, fundraising events and collections are back, with the charity urging new and existing supporters to come forward to show their support.
Allan Dorans MP said: “From the expert care given by Marie Curie Nurses, through to the reassuring voices on the support line – its services have never been more in need.
“But they can only continue to reach those in urgent need of help with the generosity of the public. That is why I am supporting the Great Daffodil Appeal this March.”
Paul Chuckle, who has been a supporter of Marie Curie since 2015, said: “I’m proud to be part of the Great Daffodil Appeal, helping ensure Marie Curie can raise as much awareness and money as possible so they can be there for people in their final days, weeks, months.
“The charity does fantastic work. It’s dedicated team of nurses, doctors and support staff help make the end of life experience the best it can possibly be for everyone.
“So, I urge you to don a daffodil pin this March and unite with Marie Curie in our wish for a better end of life care for all.”
Ruth Driscoll, head of policy and public affairs at Marie Curie, added: “We’re very grateful for the support of Allan and Paul Chuckle in helping us to raise awareness of our much-loved Great Daffodil Appeal.
“The pandemic isn’t over and the additional costs of operating to ensure we keep our beneficiaries and staff safe continues which is why the Great Daffodil Appeal is so important.”
The annual National Day of Reflection will take place on March 23, with the charity encouraging everyone to wear a daffodil pin and take a moment to show their support for the millions of people bereaved during the pandemic.
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