People always come up to me when I'm collecting and praise me for doing it, which amazes me. I can't do the nursing, so the least I can do is go out for a couple of hours, put my big yellow hat on and collect some money.
About 10 years ago, a friend of mine called Leslie spent his final days in a Marie Curie Hospice. Two more of my friends have been looked after there since, and it was the kind and compassionate attitude of the nurses that made such a difference.
We’re so lucky to have this care
I’m retired now, but I used to work for Age Concern (now Age UK) in accounts and then later as a social worker in the day centre. I’ve loved travelling ever since I lived in Australia when I was younger. I’ve travelled across Southeast Asia, Borneo, India, and places like that. I’ve learned from these places just how lucky we are here in the UK.
The end can be a horrible part of life, and we’ve all got to go through it, so it’s very important that it happens as peacefully as possible. Marie Curie Hospices are a friendly place that give care to people, but they need money to be able to run. The money people donate now is likely going to help all of us at some time in our lives.
People share their stories of support
Collecting is great fun. I meet so many people – strangers and friends alike. So many people know about Marie Curie, or someone they know has had support from Marie Curie and they come and tell me their stories and all the good things about the charity.
It’s only two hours of my retirement, and I do it to support the nurses looking after people who are terminally ill.
Our Community Fundraiser, Tracy, looks after us, she answers all our questions. Volunteers aren’t always easy to manage, but Tracy is very patient and makes everything straightforward for us.
It’s always a lot of fun
I was collecting in St Pancras station in London one year around Christmas time, and some people from a Christmas party were out trying to get pictures with strangers doing different things.
One lady needed a picture with someone on one knee pretending to propose to her. I said I’d do it, but only if she would donate and got the Marie Curie logo front and centre in her picture!
Will you join Mike and collect for the Great Daffodil Appeal this March? Find collection shifts near you.
Give just two hours to help everyone get the care and support they need, right to the end.
