Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal is observed in March every year. It’s a month-long celebration of people joining together to support, by donation, one of the biggest annual charity events in the U.K. All proceeds will go to Marie Curie nurses, who provide vital support, hospice care, and access to quality healthcare for patients with terminal illnesses as well as bereaved families. On this day, businesses and commercial establishments stock daffodils in front of their stores while individuals wear a daffodil pin on their shirts to show support. Find out how you can help raise awareness for this cause.
History of Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal
The Marie Curie charity, a fundraising organization, was founded in 1986 to support Marie Curie nurses, patients with critical needs, and families that lost their loved ones to illnesses. During its humble beginnings, volunteers would hand out fresh daffodils and collect donations from strangers willing to shell out any amount. By 1990, the Liverpool Marie Curie Society planted daffodils in the city’s Sefton Park with the help of the Liverpool City Hall. This spot was then called the ‘Field of Hope,’ which became a public park to inspire cancer patients and carers. Liverpool’s Spalding market donated the daffodils. This inspired several other places in the city to do the same, including Stanley Park, Woolton Village, and Clarke Gardens.
In 1995, the Marie Curie organization replaced fresh flowers with fabric daffodil pins. This movement encouraged people to wear daffodils on their clothing as a sign of support for the cause. By then, three million pins had been given out and 1.47 million dollars were donated to the charity. But it wasn’t until 2005 that the name ‘Great Daffodil Appeal’ was formally launched.
In 2011, the Great Daffodil Appeal launched its first television campaign ad, with actress Alison Steadman. This created more buzz in the organization and led to more people raising awareness and donating to the charity. By 2012, the organization had raised a total of 88 million dollars.
Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal timeline
Volunteers gather to form the Marie Curie charity organization by handing out daffodils to strangers for donations.
A million daffodils are planted in Sefton Park’s Field of Hope.
Marie Curie Organization replaces fresh daffodils with daffodil pins for people to wear on top of their clothes.
The term ‘Great Daffodil Appeal’ is coined.
Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal FAQs
What is Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal’s hotline?
You may call 0800 090 2309 for inquiries regarding the organization’s services.
What support do volunteers give in the Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal?
Volunteers work up to three hours a week in patients’ homes, offering support and companionship.
What kind of volunteer roles does the organization offer?
The organization is currently looking for helpers, retail volunteers, eBay retail volunteers, and complementary therapists across the U.K.
How to Observe Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal
Wear a daffodil pin
Wear a daffodil pin today to raise public awareness about this important cause. Take a selfie and post it on social media using the hashtag #MarieCurieGreatDaffodilAppeal.
Plant daffodils in your home
Daffodils are a great symbol of hope, to inspire people with terminal illnesses. Start by planting a pot of daffodil in your yard, and let this remind you to be compassionate toward people in need.
Donate to the Marie Curie charity
The best way to support patients and carers is to donate any amount to the Marie Curie charity. Go to their website (https://mariecurie.org.uk) to find out how you can provide financial help to patients and their nurses.
5 Important Facts About The Marie Curie Organization
The Second Largest Provider of Hospice Beds
In 2015, the Marie Curie organization became the second largest provider of hospice beds after providing care to approximately 42,000 patients.
It relies entirely on charity
Many other fun activities are organized by the Great Daffodil Appeal supporters, like a bake sale or quiz night.
The donations are received per hour
On average, the organization receives a donation amount of 102 dollars per hour.
The volunteers get training
Volunteers need to undergo caregiving and patient care training before they can be a part of the Marie Curie organization.
There are other services offered
Aside from hospice care, Marie Curie provides helper and companion services, and it prepares patients with terminal illnesses for death.
Why Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal is Important
It is an important cause
Raising awareness about the humanitarian efforts of a charitable organization is always the right thing to do. This month-long celebration highlights the crucial role Marie Curie nurses play in providing patient care services to people.
It helps patients in need
Patients with terminal illnesses need the greatest care. From a comfortable hospice space to a simple gesture of compassion, this month-long observance allows us to provide any form of help to people who need it the most.
It strengthens the charity’s longevity
Marie Curie’s 30-year success is due to public support. With this holiday, more people are becoming aware of the organization, and a new generation of supporters is being introduced to this all-important cause.
Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 1 | Thursday |
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