Dr Neil Hudson, Member of Parliament for Epping Forest, joined acclaimed actress and Marie Curie Ambassador Alison Steadman OBE in Westminster and Epping Forest constituent Kathleen, a Marie Curie nurse, to mark the launch of the UK’s leading end‑of‑life charity’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal.
During the event, Dr Hudson met with dedicated Marie Curie staff and volunteers, including Epping Forest resident Kathleen, to hear first-hand about the vital work they carry out in local communities. He pledged his support for this year’s appeal and is encouraging residents across Epping Forest to donate and proudly wear one of Marie Curie’s iconic daffodil pins.
New research published last month by Marie Curie reveals that nearly one in three people in the UK are still dying without the support they need, equivalent to almost one person every three minutes, spending their final moments with unmet care needs. By donating and wearing a daffodil pin this March, people can help change this, enabling Marie Curie Nurses to provide expert end‑of‑life care for anyone who needs it, whatever their illness.
Funds raised through the Great Daffodil Appeal also support the charity’s free telephone line and webchat services, which offer practical advice and emotional support to people living with terminal illness, as well as to their families and friends. These services ensure no one has to face dying, death, or bereavement alone.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, said:
“Everyone deserves the best possible care and compassion at the end of their life, yet too many people still aren’t receiving the support they desperately need. That’s why the Great Daffodil Appeal is so important, and why I am proud to stand with Marie Curie in their mission to ensure that everyone can access high‑quality care, when and where they need it most.
“I encourage folk across Epping Forest to get involved in any way they can, whether by donating, volunteering, or simply wearing a daffodil pin. Every contribution helps ensure that more people receive expert comfort, dignity and support at the end of life.”
Matthew Reed, Chief Executive at Marie Curie, said:
“Right now, there is a crisis in end-of-life care. For far too many people, their experiences of the end of life are marked by avoidable pain, poverty, and worry about where to turn for help. This lack of care is heaping greater pressure on our health system, as more people at the end of life are reaching crisis point, and are forced to visit A&E or call an ambulance to get the help they need.
“Marie Curie is working hard to ensure everyone has the expert care they need at the end of their lives, but we need the support of our politicians to fix this crisis. That’s why we’re so grateful for Dr Hudson supporting our work and the Great Daffodil Appeal.”
Alison Steadman OBE, who is a celebrity ambassador for the charity, said:
“As someone who’s supported Marie Curie for many years, I’ve seen for myself the incredible difference they make to people and their families at the end of life. They cared for my mother, and I will never forget the kindness, comfort and dignity they gave her. It meant the world to us.
“What Marie Curie does is truly vital. Their nurses make sure people aren’t left in pain, or frightened, or alone - they bring compassion into the hardest moments.
“The Great Daffodil Appeal comes round just once a year, and it helps Marie Curie reach so many more people who need that care, whatever their illness. That’s why I’m asking everyone to get involved and show their support.”
For information and to donate, please visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil
