Marie Curie launches emergency appeal for funds

Marie Curie needs to raise £2.5million a week to continue to run its essential frontline services across the UK, at a time when its ability to generate this money has been seriously compromised.

Ciara Gallagher, head of Partnerships and Philanthropy said: ‘‘Now more than ever, dying people who do not want to be in hospital need to be moved to a more appropriate setting, as precious beds in critical care units are urgently required for patients who need lifesaving treatment for Coronavirus.

‘‘Marie Curie can help, but only if it continues to raise the donations it needs to fund its vital work.’’

Ms Gallagher said the charity is ‘‘experiencing unprecedented challenges’’ in its service delivery, fundraising and charity shops during this coronavirus pandemic.

“Marie Curie nurses and frontline staff give vital support to dying people and their families, in homes across Northern Ireland and at the Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast.

“At this time of national emergency, when the NHS is being put under extreme strain, our crucial services are needed more than ever, but just as our demand increases our fundraising activities are grinding to a halt and we are facing a devasting loss of income.

“In the past few weeks we have had to make some tough decisions locally to postpone or cancel our fundraising events - Great Daffodil Appeal collections, our prestigious black-tie event, Belfast Brain Game and hundreds of volunteer led activities that would normally take place in communities across Northern Ireland to raise funds for Marie Curie.

“We fully understand that people have their own personal pressures and worries to consider at this time, but we are asking the people of Northern Ireland to stand by Marie Curie and support our emergency fundraising appeal by making a donation.”

Donate today, online at: mariecurie.org.uk/emergency, Text NURSE to 70633. Texts cost £5 plus 1 standard rate message. 98% is received by Marie Curie. To unsub text OUT to 78866.

If you, or someone you know, is affected by a terminal illness and concerned about Coronavirus, call free 0800 090 2309*. You can also find more info on: mariecurie.org.uk/coronavirus