By Tom Young
THE work that the Marie Curie Charity do is invaluable, helping provide care and support to people with terminal illness and their families.
But in order to help out as many people as they do, the charity rely heavily on the work of their volunteers, many of whom turned out in Cwmbran today as the Great Daffodil Tour 2020 began.
The daffodil has become synonymous with the charity since its inception back in 1948 – the year which also saw the launch of the National Health Service – and this year, the charity has gone bigger and better.
A large daffodil will be making its way up and down the country, with passers-by encouraged to come up and write a message on one of its petals. The messages can be whatever the individual wishes it to be, whether it be a message to a lost loved one or messages of strength to those fighting a terminal disease.
One volunteer who has played a big part with the Marie Curie Cymru branch over the last decade is volunteer Valerie.
She has been working with the charity since her retirement ten years ago, citing her own battle with cancer as one of the main reasons for opting for the Marie Curie Charity.
“I chose Marie Curie because I have had cancer myself, nearly twenty years ago now so I’m one of the survivors, so I thought why don’t I volunteer for a cancer charity.”
“I chose Marie Curie and I’m glad I did because you hear so many stories about people who have been helped by Marie Curie when you’re collecting and it gives you a feel good feeling that you’re doing some good collecting money for such a marvellous charity.”
Another reason for Valerie continuing to work with Marie Curie is due to a promise she made her friend, who sadly passed away from cancer some years ago.
“One day when I was visiting her in her home just before she moved into the hospice I said I’m going off to sell some daffodils now” to which her friend replied “Oh yes, do continue to sell daffodils please, they’ve been so good to me.”
This is a conversation which Valerie remembers vividly and one which she says “inspires her” to continue to do the work.
Whilst the work volunteers like Valerie do is invaluable, there is always a need for more and the volunteer spoke of why she thinks people should lend some spare time to the cause.
“It’s such a good charity and it’s UK wide. So many people come up and say their mother had it or their granny had it so there’s definitely a need for it and it’s down to volunteers such as ourselves to ensure that need is met.”
