MARIE Curie, the organisation which provides support for those suffering from terminal illnesses, is hoping that local people will come forward and help with their big March Daffodil Fundraising Appeal.

The charity opened a new charity shop in Cowdenbeath at the end of the year which has proved popular, and their Fife manager, Helen Anderson told Cowdenbeath Rotary Club on Thursday, that while the organisation has a lot of volunteers in Fife more would be welcomed. Helen, pictured with president Lesley Porter and junior vice-president Marie Shevas, said that the annual Daffodil Appeal was a key element of Marie Curie being able to maintain its support for individuals who have terminal illnesses and their families.

She told the rotarians, “If ever faced with a terminal illness, most of us would choose to die peacefully in our own homes, surrounded by the people that mean the most to us.

“Marie Curie Nurses make this possible as do our Fife Helper service. Our trained, dedicated Helper volunteers spend up to three hours a week visiting people with a terminal illness, offering companionship, emotional support and practical help with everyday tasks”.

Helen said that spring was always a very important time for raising much needed funds to support all the services Marie Curie provide. Added Helen, “Raising money in the local area is a great way to support Marie Curie while getting out and about with old friends and making new ones too. There are lots of ways to get involved. We need more collectors than ever to hit the streets for us this year, and people from the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area would be welcome to take part.

“If anyone wants to get involved contact us and play your part in helping us make this the best Daffodil Appeal ever.” Helen added that the Cowdenebath charity shop was always looking for volunteers and people should pop in to the High Street facility if they want to get involved.