Nurse Emily helps launch Marie Curie Daffodil Appeal

Nurse Emily helps launch Marie Curie Daffodil Appeal

13 March 2024

A SAINTFIELD woman met one of Northern Ireland’s finest actors as he got behind Marie Curie’s Annual Great Daffodil Appeal. 

Emily Jackson was with Jimmy Nesbitt as he launched the charity’s 38th Daffodil Appeal in Belfast.

Nesbitt met with Emily and several other volunteers, who he described as the “lifeblood” of Marie Curie as the charity prepared to Yes to Yellow for its annual flagship fundraiser.

Emily, who has been a Marie Curie nurse for five years and works in the in-patient unit at Belfast Hospice, described the surreal moment she met the BAFTA nominated actor.

“I absolutely love my job and it’s a great privilege to care for patients at the most difficult time of their lives,” she said.

“It was lovely to meet Jimmy Nesbitt and it’s fantastic that a star like him has taken an interest in Marie Curie and the work we do – we really appreciated his support.”

She went on: “He was very down to earth and interested in the work we do. Our volunteers do an amazing job raising money which helps us to continue the work we do in providing palliative and end-of-life care for patients in their homes and at the hospice.

“We couldn’t do any of it without them and they help in a variety of practical ways.”

Marie Curie cares for people in their homes and at its hospices, whatever their illness, bringing clinical care, comfort and emotional support to individuals facing end of life and those close to them.

Volunteer collectors will be out and about with the iconic Marie Curie daffodil pin collecting donations on high streets and at stores in every village, town and city across Northern Ireland throughout March. 

There’s also lots of fun ways for people to Go Yellow and get fundraising at work, at schools, at home or in their community on March 21.

It costs around £11.1m a year to run all of Marie Curie’s services and deliver its policy and influencing work in Northern Ireland.

The charity depends on fundraising and legacy donations to fund its work. 

Marie Curie provided care at home and in-patient care to nearly 5,000 people last year. It also supplied volunteer companions to terminally ill people and bereavement support and counselling to grieving relatives.

James Nesbitt said of the charity’s work: “I greatly admire the Marie Curie nurses, healthcare assistants, doctors and the wide range of healthcare professionals who provide expert end of life care to people when care and support becomes more important than cure. 

“It’s a difficult, challenging role. I know from my good friend, Dr Catherine Doherty, who works at the Marie Curie hospice in Belfast, the compassion, skill and dedication that Marie Curie gives to every person and their families, providing support and care to get through the most difficult and traumatic time.

“Marie Curie could not operate without the help of its loyal and devoted band of volunteers. 

“These men and women of all ages volunteer to raise funds and give of their time in countless ways to provide small acts of selfless service. They are simply amazing. They are the lifeblood of this vital service.”

The Bloodlands and Hobbit actor added: “They are giving back to help others, often due to their own personal experiences from having their loved ones cared for by Marie Curie. 

“So when you see that collector with the yellow collection box on a street near you, please give what they can as you never know when your family might need Marie Curie.”

More information about the Daffodil Appeal and Marie Curie can be found at Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil.