END of life charity Marie Curie is calling for people across Pembrokeshire to volunteer to collect for its Christmas Appeal to help bring care, comfort and joy to more people this festive season.

Marie Curie believes everyone should have expert care and support at the end of life, free from unnecessary pain, with the dignity and respect they deserve, whatever their illness, wherever they are. That’s why it is encouraging people across Pembrokeshire to give just two hours to don a festive hat, and take to their local high street or supermarket to help raise much-needed funds to support people facing the toughest of times this Christmas. A typical two-hour collection shift raises £85 which is enough to help fund almost four hours of care.

Marie Curie is dependent on public donations so that its nurses and healthcare assistants can provide expert end of life care and support, whatever the illness, in the comfort of home.

Marie Curie helps people with any illness they are likely to die from including Alzheimer’s (and other forms of dementia), heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, and advanced cancer.

Money raised from the Christmas Appeal also funds the charity’s free support line and webchat, which is available to anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from and those close to them. It offers practical and emotional support on everything from symptom management and day-to-day care to financial information and bereavement support.

Anna Currenti, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Swansea and West Wales, said:

“Last Christmas, the local communities here in south west Wales donated almost £3,000 and we’re incredibly grateful for every penny. It’s thanks to our amazing volunteers and supporters that Marie Curie can continue to provide the best possible care for anyone living with a terminal illness, at home, in our hospices, or over the phone.

“Christmas is a time for giving and there’s noel better gift than time so why not volunteer to collect for Marie Curie and help support those living with a terminal illness and their loved ones in south west Wales. Volunteering is a fantastic way to get in the spirit of the festive season and meet new people in your community – Yule be glad you did it!”

This year, Marie Curie's Christmas Appeal collections are back at Morrisons across South Wales between November 28 and 30. Marie Curie is the official charity partner of Morrisons and together they have committed to help improve end of life care in local communities by enhancing hospice care, providing more nurses and making more moments that matter across the country, whilst raising public awareness about the harsh reality facing many families with loved ones at the end of their lives.

To find out more about how you can give care, comfort and joy this Christmas visit mariecurie.org.uk/collect or contact your local Community Fundraisers on 029 20 426068 / [email protected].

To donate to Marie Curie’s Christmas Appeal, visit: mariecurie.org.uk/christmas

Whatever the illness, wherever you are, Marie Curie is with you to the end.