The Great Daffodil Appeal takes place in the United Kingdom in March every year. The event is organized by the Marie Curie charity every year and focuses on collecting donations to provide free healthcare to terminally ill patients. In exchange for these donations, the organization sends daffodil-shaped fabric pins to donors, making them one of the most recognizable charity organizations in the United Kingdom.
History of The Great Daffodil Appeal
Organized by Marie Curie, the first Great Daffodil Appeal campaign took place in 1986, when volunteers handed out fresh daffodils to people who donated money for the care of terminally ill patients. In 1995, fresh flowers were replaced with fabric daffodil pins. For over 30 years, this lovely tradition has continued.
Established on February 4, 1948, Marie Curie is a charitable organization registered in the United Kingdom that provides care to people with terminal illnesses. They also go a step further by providing support to the families of such individuals. Aside from the National Health Service, they provide the largest number of beds for patients. The organization has over 4,000 employees and over 11,000 volunteers. In the 2014/2015 financial year, over 40,000 terminally ill patients received care.
In all its years of providing care, Marie Curie has accomplished several astonishing feats. For instance, in 1990, the Liverpool Marie Curie Society planted a million daffodil flowers in Sefton Park and the garden was named “Field of Hope.” Later in 1995, the charity raised 1.2 million pounds. The Marie Curie website provides a breakdown of various donation amounts and how they can be beneficial. 20 pounds provides one hour of expert care and support from a Marie Curie nurse, 41 pounds provides a kit to a Marie Curie nurse to help them in delivering care to patients, and 390 pounds pays for one hospice bed for one day.
The Great Daffodil Appeal timeline
The Marie Curie Charity is founded in the United Kingdom.
The first Great Daffodil Appeal takes place.
The Liverpool Marie Curie Society plants one million daffodils in Liverpool, England.
Marie Curie substitutes fresh flowers with daffodil pins made of fabric.
The Great Daffodil Appeal FAQs
What did Marie Curie discover?
Marie Curie and her husband discovered two elements called radium and polonium.
What is hospice care?
Hospice care is health care for terminally ill patients.
What are the levels of hospice care?
There are four levels of hospice care: routine home care, continuous home care, general inpatient care, and respite care.
How to Observe The Great Daffodil Appeal
Support the grieving
Losing a loved one is never easy. During such tough times, families need all the support they can get. Do whatever you can to support those who have sick family members.
Volunteer at a hospice
Join thousands of volunteers in assisting at a hospice near you. Whether it’s through a monthly visit or a donation, your little acts of service go a long way in helping the system run smoothly.
Spread the word
Let others know about the Great Daffodil Appeal. Talk to friends and make informative posts on social media. The more people know, the more assistance hospices receive.
5 Fascinating Facts About The Life Of Marie Curie
She holds an unbeaten world record
Marie Curie is the only person who holds Nobel Prizes in two sciences.
She was a Nobel Prize trendsetter
Marie Curie was the first-ever woman to win a Nobel Prize.
Her husband was just as brilliant
Both Marie Curie and her husband were co-winners of her first Nobel Prize.
She broke glass ceilings
Marie Curie was the first female professor at the University of Paris.
She was innovative
She coined the word ‘radioactivity.’
Why The Great Daffodil Appeal is Important
It provides proper care for terminally ill patients
According to the Marie Curie charity, “No dying person should miss out on the right care when they’re dying.” This means that even terminal patients deserve to live out the rest of their days in peace, with the right care. This is why this holiday and the awareness it creates is so important.
It provides support to family members
Not only do Marie Curie hospices provide care to the dying; but they also help family members rest easier, knowing their loved ones are well cared for. This offers a measure of peace, even in their time of grief.
It provides opportunities for volunteering
This campaign also opens the door to people who would love to volunteer in some way. The organized system also makes donating to the cause much easier.
The 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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