DEESIDE'S Assembly Member has pledged to 'get behind the daffodil' this month.

Jack Sargeant AM is encouraging Alyn and Deeside constituents to donate and wear their iconic Marie Curie daffodil throughout February and March to help the charity’s nurses provide vital care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their families.

He joined forces with Marie Curie Chief Executive Matthew Reed alongside Marie Curie Nurses at an event at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay to help launch the Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign.

As well as lending his support to the appeal, Mr Sargeant is also encouraging residents to help the charity raise more money than ever before by simply giving a donation and wearing a Marie Curie daffodil pin, available from volunteers across Wales, Marie Curie shops, Superdrug, Spar, Hotter Shoes and the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group.

The AM said: “Funds raised through the Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal help provide care and support to people at a time when they need it the most, be that through a Marie Curie Nurse at home or in a hospice, or by speaking to the charity’s Information and Support line.

"I hope the people of Wales will join me in supporting people affected by terminal illness across the country by proudly wearing their Marie Curie daffodil throughout February and March.”

The Great Daffodil Appeal is now in its 34th year and the charity highlighted its Pontypool-based Information and Support Line service during the event.

Whether you have practical questions or just want someone to talk to, the trained team on the Marie Curie Information and Support Line are here to listen and give you the information you need.

The line has recently expanded to include Marie Curie Nurses who support people to better understand treatment options and symptoms, giving them reassurance, confidence and comfort.

Simon Jones, Director of Policy and Public Affairs for Marie Curie, added: “To have the support of Jack Sargeant makes a huge difference to Marie Curie. With their help we are able to raise awareness about what we do and reach more people who need us.

“Our services rely on charitable donations, so I’d like to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone who gives a donation and wears a daffodil pin this February and March. The money raised from the Great Daffodil Appeal will help Marie Curie Nurses provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness, and their loved ones, in homes across Wales, as well as in the charity’s Cardiff & the Vale Hospice in Penarth.”

Awards were also presented to volunteers from across Wales for their dedication and support of Marie Curie.

To volunteer for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal and give out the charity’s daffodils pins in return for donations visit mariecurie.org.uk/collect or call free on 0800 304 7025.