Terminal illness charity, Marie Curie has launched its annual Great Daffodil Appeal - and its coming to Penryn on Saturday.

It calls on people to donate and wear one of the charity’s daffodil pins to help fund vital nursing care for people living with a terminal illness.

Marie Curie’s daffodil pins will be available from volunteers in Penryn's Lidl, on Falmouth Road.

Karen Burfitt, Marie Curie regional nursing service manager for the south west, said: “In Cornwall last year Marie Curie nurses provided over 16,000 hours of nursing care to people with a terminal illness.

"Chances are, we all know someone who’s been affected by a terminal illness and it’s heartbreaking that not everyone gets the care and support they need to live their final days with dignity, in the place they want to be.

“Our nurses care for people in their own homes, providing one-to-one care and support for family members. And we’re always here with expert information, guidance or just a shoulder to lean on.

“Whatever your story, donating and wearing a daffodil pin during March unites you with millions of others to help make sure all dying people get the care and support they deserve."

The charity is hoping more people than ever will wear the iconic yellow flower and says that the appeal is urgently needed as one in four people currently don’t receive the care and support they need at the end of their life.

The charity also warns that with the population getting older, demand on the charity’s services is set to increase.

The money raised from the appeal will help Marie Curie nurses be there for more people living with a terminal illness.

The nurses visit people in their own homes to give one-to-one care, and support those looking after them – helping families and carers to make the most of the time they have together.

The charity also provides practical information and support, funds research and campaigns for more people to have access to high quality, personalised care wherever and whenever they need it.

Actress Alison Steadman is supporting the campaign after Marie Curie cared for her mum.

She said: “Marie Curie gives so many people comfort and help at a time in life when it can be so frightening and difficult. My mum was cared for at one of the Marie Curie Hospices and right the way through the time she was ill, they couldn’t have been more helpful not only for her but for me and my sisters too.

“None of us know when we, or someone we love, might need that extra support, and with more people living with a terminal illness that need caring for, Marie Curie’s support is more important than ever.

"That is why I’m supporting the charity and their Great Daffodil Appeal and I encourage everyone to wear a daffodil throughout March. Your daffodil will bring care and support to people going through one of the toughest times any of us will face.”

Daffodil pins will also be available from stores including Superdrug, Spar, Hotter Shoes and Wyevale Garden Centres.

To find out more about the Great Daffodil Appeal, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil or call Lynda Thomas on 01872 260500.