Marie Curie Cancer Care has launched its Great Daffodil Appeal 2012 encouraging people to don a daffodil pin in March to support the essential work of Marie Curie Nurses across Northern Ireland.
This year’s flagship appeal is being backed by Downpatrick race course and local award winning fashion designer MaryRose McGrath who has created a bespoke one of a kind daffodil fascinator to be won by the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ wearing a yellow garment at the Downpatrick race day on 25th March.
The annual Great Daffodil Appeal aims to raise £140,000 in donations across Northern Ireland to help provide more free nursing care for people with a terminal illness in their own homes and at the local Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast.
Marie Curie nurse Kasia Patynowska said: “Support for the Great Daffodil Appeal helps Marie Curie Nurses like me to provide more free care to people with cancer and other illnesses in their own homes and at the local Marie Curie Hospice in Belfast.
“We are delighted to have the support of MaryRose McGrath, whose work has graced the pages of fashion’s elite magazines such as Vogue and Elle as well as Downpatrick race course to help us create awareness of our appeal. We would encourage all ladies to come down to the races wearing a yellow garment to be in with a chance winning this beautiful fascinator and help us make a difference by making a donation and wearing a daffodil throughout March.”
Commenting on her support for the campaign, local fashion designer MaryRose McGrath said: “I am proud to be supporting Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal. After working in the London fashion industry for a number of years it’s great to be back in Northern Ireland.
“As we are stepping into spring, yellow is the colour of the season and provides the perfect opportunity for the public to wear this colour in support of Marie Curie and also on the race day to be in with a chance of winning my one of a kind fascinator.”
Downpatrick race course manager Richard Lyttle said: “We are expecting the race day on 25th March to be a great occasion and are looking forward to hosting the Marie Curie ‘Best Dressed Lady’ award – it’s sure to be a fantastic day and we look forward to welcoming all stylish ladies wearing yellow!”
Daffodil pins can be picked up from local stores, schools, street collectors, from Marie Curie Shops or online. To find where you can get a daffodil pin in your local community please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil.
For more information on how to get involved in the Great Daffodil Appeal, please contact 028 90882060 or visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil