“This is one of the most meaningful ways to start the new year”

Peter Gilbert, who is a retiree from East Belfast, has been volunteering with Marie Curie for twelve years since his late mum, Florence, was cared for in the charity’s hospice off the Knock Road.

Peter currently gives four hours of his time each week to volunteer in the Marie Curie Hospice, with his duties split between manning the reception desk and assisting with refreshments on the inpatient ward.

Despite his long-standing commitment to the charity, 2026 will be the first year that Peter has collected for the charity’s biggest fundraiser, the Great Daffodil Appeal, which marks its 40th anniversary this March.

Peter said: “When my mum died, I saw first-hand the care, compassion and dignity she was given at the end of her life by the Marie Curie nursing team, which was in stark contrast to my dad’s death in hospital. I knew quite quickly that I wanted to support the charity, so I started volunteering six months after my mum passed.

“Working on reception means I get to meet patients and families and just have a chat with people. Visitors can sometimes be a bit apprehensive, as they’re not always sure what to expect from a hospice environment, but I find great satisfaction in being able to put their minds at ease, to support them and to listen to them. I think it helps people to feel like they can manage what’s ahead of them and once they’re inside the hospice they see what a warm, calm environment it is.”

Marie Curie cares for 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.

The charity is dependent on public donations so that its Nurses and healthcare assistants can provide expert end of life care and support whatever the illness, in the comfort of home and at its hospice in Belfast.

Money raised from the Great Daffodil Appeal 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.

This year, there will be more than 120 fundraising collections taking place across Northern Ireland.

Peter continued: “I’m starting the new year in a positive frame of mind. I really enjoy this time of year, when I can set good intentions for the coming months and I like to have a few things on the horizon to look forward to.

“The Great Daffodil Appeal is somewhat iconic and, particularly with this being the 40th anniversary year, I thought there was no better time to get involved. Giving a couple of hours to fundraise at a local supermarket or in your local town is an easy way to support such an important cause, and it doesn’t cost a penny.”

The charity is now encouraging others to take a leaf out of Peter’s book and sign up to be part of their flagship fundraiser this year.

Anne McRoberts, Deputy Head of Fundraising at Marie Curie NI, said: “This year will be a huge occasion for us and for our supporters as we mark 40 years of the Great Daffodil Appeal. We’re encouraging people who want to make a difference, to sign up early to one of our collections which are taking place across Northern Ireland in supermarkets, high streets and shopping centres. You can volunteer with a friend, as a group or with colleagues, and it’s a great way to meet new people, too.

“Every two-hour collection shift raises approximately £165, which is enough to help fund almost nine hours of expert nursing care in someone’s home or ten calls to our Support Line, so every shift can make a real difference.”

There’s only one chance to give someone the best possible end of life. This Great Daffodil Appeal, help give people the care they need. To volunteer for a fundraising collection near you, contact [email protected]

To support the Great Daffodil Appeal in 2026 you can also pick up an iconic daffodil pin in Superdrug, Savers and SPAR stores this March. For more information or to donate, go to mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil