The daffodil has come to symbolise the charity Marie Curie, and next week they will use a super-sized flower to mark the beginning of their annual appeal.

The Great Big Daffodil will visit the Gyle Shopping Centre from 13 to 15 March 2019.

This year’s appeal hopes to raise £700,000 to continue to care for 8,600 people each year, and as part of the campaign they are asking for people to pay tribute on one of the paper books within each petal.

Stewart Dickson

Stewart Dickson from Peebleshire is making a special trip to the Great Big Daffodil because of the care his wife Marilyn had at the end of her life, age 71. Marilyn spent three days as an inpatient at the Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh, before her death in January 2018 from liver cancer.  

“The minute we came in the door, it was warmth and welcoming. The whole idea of, ‘We’re here to care for you.’ It was beautiful, so relieving. The fact that she died peacefully, pain free and with dignity, is thanks to Marie Curie.”

Marie Curie Launch

Daffodil pins are available in exchange for a donation at the Great Big Daffodil and until the end of March from Marie Curie shops, Superdrug, Spar and Hotter.

Marie Curie Head of Community Fundraising Scotland Debbie Mooney said: “In our busy lives, we often don’t have time to stop and pay tribute to the people who are special to us – both the loved ones we’ve lost and those that are still here. Behind every daffodil, there’s a story – and we hope our Great Big Daffodil will help people to find a moment to reflect and share theirs. Whatever your story, donating and wearing a Marie Curie daffodil will help make sure one of our nurses can be there when someone special needs us most.”

Edinburgh is one of six cities around the UK where the giant daffodil will appear during the charity’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal. The memories, stories, pictures and tributes to people around the UK will come together and be celebrated at a special event in London.

Those who can’t get to the Great Big Daffodil can still take part by sharing stories or following its 1,500-mile journey around the UK on social media using #EveryDaffodil. 

To find out more about the Great Daffodil Appeal, visit mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil  or call free on 0800 304 7025. To donate £5 to Marie Curie, text DAFF to 70111

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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