A MUCH-loved British actress has joined one of the region's MPs in support of a charity's annual appeal.

Simon Baynes MP and Absolutely Fabulous actress Jane Horrocks are among the famous faces backing end-of-life charity Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal, which raises money to support those affected by terminal illness.

The MP for Clwyd South met with Marie Curie supporter Jane Horrocks, Marie Curie healthcare assistant Danielle Cobb and members of the Marie Curie Policy team at an event in Westminster, to celebrate and raise awareness of the launch of the 37th Great Daffodil Appeal.

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Held every March, the Great Daffodil Appeal is when the charity encourages supporters new and old to wear their daffodil pins, make a donation, and take part in a collection to raise money which goes towards supporting both people affected by terminal illness, and those dealing with death, dying and bereavement.

Last year more than 66,000 people received direct support from Marie Curie. Either through their nursing services in people's homes, at one of the nine Marie Curie hospices, via the free Information and Support phone line and webchat, or through their volunteer helper and companion services.

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Mr Baynes said: "I'm proud to be supporting the Great Daffodil Appeal because everyone in Clwyd South should have the best possible care and support at the end of life and Marie Curie is on a mission to deliver that. Both of my parents as well as my father-in-law died of cancer and benefitted from Marie Curie's wonderful help and care.

"Donating to Marie Curie means their nurses and bereavement counsellors can continue to deliver much needed support not only to those at the end of life but also to those left behind."

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Ruth Driscoll, head of policy and public affairs at Marie Curie, said: "Demand for palliative and end of life care is rising rapidly, and we expect this trend to continue as the population ages.

"The services that Marie Curie provide for people at the end of life are needed today more than ever and it is great to have the backing of MPs like Simon Baynes MP for the Great Daffodil Appeal.

"As people are living longer with multiple and complex health conditions it is becoming more challenging to ensure that every person at the end of life receives the care and support they need."

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Jane Horrocks, who has been a Marie Curie supporter since 2010, said: "As a long-term supporter of Marie Curie I have seen first-hand the wonderful work they do to support people at the end of life. Nobody expects to be diagnosed with a terminal illness.

"But with their expertise and understanding Marie Curie Nurses are able to bring a sense of calm to what can otherwise be a difficult time. That's why I'm encouraging everyone to get themselves a daffodil pin and support Marie Curie during the much-loved Great Daffodil Appeal this March."

For more information on how to support or donate to Marie Curie's Great Daffodil Appeal visit: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil