March 1 is the point where we can technically say it’s no longer winter (cue the huge sigh of relief), but it also marks the launch of Marie Curie’s Great Annual Daffodil Appeal.
To mark this occasion, Marie Curie decorated Greenwich in fine springtime style, creating an artwork of 4,129 LED tea lights that made up one large daffodil.
The number is particularly poignant, as it represents the number of people the charity looked after in the hospices and homes per month throughout 2021. And the end result, as you can see, looked pretty spectacular.
The Great Daffodil Appeal is the Marie Curie’s largest fundraising campaign, and is held every March. People are encouraged to give a donation to the charity in return for a daffodil pin; which many are bound to recognise from the number of people that have them attached to their jackets each year.
By donating, your money is put towards helping Marie Curie with their mission: supporting “everyone in the UK through all aspects of dying, death and bereavement – and fight for a world where everyone gets the care and support they need at the end of their lives”. You can donate to the Great Daffodil Appeal here.
Marie Curie Healthcare Assistant Beth Namara, who can be seen in this article’s main image putting the finishing touches to the artwork, said: “People ask us what makes a Marie Curie Nurse different. For me, it’s that you will always see Marie Curie Nurses smiling. I myself am always calm, smiling, and approachable – ready to help the patients, their family and friends, and other healthcare professionals working in partnership with me.”
The lights shone through Greenwich with the O2 Arena looking on, symbolising the beginning of the annual fundraiser. Later this month, on March 23, anyone and everyone are also invited to join a national day of reflection, connecting with each other and “supporting the millions of people who are grieving, and remembering the family, friends, neighbours and colleagues we’ve lost during the pandemic”. Read more here.
Please note that the daffodil artwork is no longer up in Greenwich, but you can enjoy the beautiful pictures of them and donate to the fundraiser here.