A HEALTHCARE manager is today donning traditional Welsh costume, which she made herself, to collect funds in Wrexham for end of life charity Marie Curie this St David's Day.

Anwen Goodacre, a primary healthcare relationship manager for Spire Healthcare, will be collecting for the charity as part of its Great Daffodil Appeal at Wrexham Yale Hospital.

The Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie's flagship fundraiser which has been running for 37 years, sees supporters across the country donning the infamous giant yellow top hats in supermarkets, train stations and on high streets. Public collections returned in 2022 following a two-year suspension during the pandemic so it is more important than ever that people support the charity's work.

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In Wales, people can also support the campaign by holding their very own Daffodil Day - Your Day, Your Way - throughout March, with a bake sale, workplace quiz or unique fundraiser of their own.

Marie Curie is dependent on public donations and last year the money raised helped the charity provide direct care to more than 46,000 people across the UK via its nine hospices and through nursing care in people's own homes. Donations also support its information and support line, which provides a listening ear to anyone dealing with any aspect of death, dying and bereavement.

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Explaining why she made the dress, Anwen said: "I've always enjoyed dressmaking, but never anything historical, before now.

"Last year, I visited the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza and noticed that although some people were in costume, the Welsh costume was not represented.

"Much research was needed to understand the origins of the costume and how clothes were structured and made in those days. I learnt a lot from professional costume makers and experienced amateurs too, that I befriended on Facebook.

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"The iconic hat was made by a milliner in Bristol, but the rest I made myself - right down to the corset - but although I'll be wearing it, it won't be on show."

Victoria Hardy, Marie Curie senior community fundraiser, said: "The Great Daffodil Appeal is my favourite time of the year and is a brilliant and fun way to support Marie Curie. Volunteers are so important to us and we're calling on people across Wales to once again give a couple of hours of their time, don a big yellow hat - or a traditional Welsh hat like Anwen - and help us raise as much money as we can.

"Collecting or hosting a daffodil day couldn't be simpler and our amazing team will support you from the moment you sign-up to volunteer, making sure you have everything you need to encourage the public to donate and wear one of our iconic daffodil pins.

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"All the money raised will help Marie Curie continue to provide vital end of life care for terminally ill people and their families during their final days, weeks and months."

During the Great Daffodil Appeal on March 23, the annual National Day of Reflection will take place. This is a unique day to remember loved ones who've died and to support people who are grieving. Marie Curie will be leading a minute's silence at noon on the day.

If you'd like to support Anwen's efforts in aid of Marie Curie, you can sponsor her at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/anwen-goodacre

To sign-up to volunteer to collect for Marie Curie's Great Daffodil Appeal visit Mariecurie.org.uk/collect or contact Victoria Hardy on Victoria.hardy@mariecurie.org.uk or 07720 949007.