Marie Curie urges people to get together to fundraise this Christmas

Marie Curie is calling for people in Derry to help bring care, comfort and joy this Christmas by fundraising for its Christmas Appeal.

Marie Curie believes everyone experiencing death, dying or bereavement should be able to have the best Christmas possible which is why it is encouraging people to host a get-together this Christmas.

Whether it be a hosting a Christmas quiz, carol-oke session or a cosy hot chocolate or mince pies morning coffee break – by raising money they will be helping to raise much-needed funds to help Marie Curie support people facing the toughest of times this festive season.

The charity is dependent on fundraising and public donations so that Marie Curie Nurses and healthcare professionals can provide expert care, whatever the illness, 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.  

Throughout Northern Ireland, Marie Curie’s Hospice Care at Home team of nurses and healthcare assistants care for people in their own homes whilst our companions provide the emotional and practical support people need – at home, in hospice or over the phone. 

The money raised 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.

Over the next five years Marie Curie aims to double the number of people across the UK being cared for and supported in homes, its hospices and through its free information and support services.  

Nurse Catrina Rafferty said: “Our nurses and healthcare assistants and their support staff will be working throughout the festive period in people’s homes, and our hospice to bring care and comfort to people at the end of their lives and their family members.

“We know that while it’s an extremely distressing time for the patients and their families, our work helps the person and their loved ones cope at one of the most critical times in our lives. We appreciate your continued support of our nursing care and support.”

Sheena Havlin, local Marie Curie Community Fundraiser, added: “We hope you to get together with your communities, whether that be friends, family, or colleagues to share some festive joy whilst raising funds, for a vital service. You can organise something intimate like a coffee morning or Christmas lunch or get your whole gang together for a party to show off your best festive jumpers.

“Christmas can be challenging for many, and we know many homes are affected by the cost of living. We appreciate every donation, of any size. If you are interested in fundraising for Marie Curie this festive season – whatever the idea, we’d love to hear from you!”

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 Fundraiser, Sheena Havlin on 07747 776440 or email sheena.havlin@mariecurie.org.uk

Visit: mariecurie.org.uk/christmas to donate to Marie Curie’s Christmas Appeal.