Marie Curie are putting on a 'Daffodil Walk' in Liverpool and want everyone involved

The Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool is calling for walkers of all ages and abilities to come forward and take part in its inaugural ‘Daffodil Walk’ to support local people facing terminal illness, and their families.

Taking place at Sefton Park on 29^th March, the sponsored walk will help raise money for the Woolton-based hospice and fund the charity’s end of life services across Merseyside.

Last year, the Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool cared for more than 1,260 people and their families, at a cost of £5.2m a year.

The event will be Marie Curie’s first sponsored walk in the city and is part of the charity’s biggest fundraising campaign, the Great Daffodil Appeal, held each March. Every donation and daffodil worn during the month helps Marie Curie provide vital care for people living with a terminal illness and support for their families.

On the day, walkers will be able to choose from either a 4km or 8km route around the park and there will be a glitter station plus food vans selling breakfast, refreshments and ice creams. Radio City will also be providing entertainment and cheering on walkers from the start line.

Emma Carvell lives in central Liverpool and is taking part in the Daffodil Walk in memory of her mother, Helen Carvell, who was cared for at the Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool before her death in January 2018.

Emma said: “Marie Curie not only provided exceptional care and support for mum, but for us as a family. The easy-going and home-from-home atmosphere at the hospice was what we needed, and it meant that I felt comfortable taking my little boy to regularly visit his Nanny. I know they both enjoyed that time together.

“My younger sister was also only 15 when mum died and still at school, so I am eternally grateful for all the support that the hospice’s bereavement team and Young Person’s Counsellor gave to help her cope during that time.

“I collected for Marie Curie during the Great Daffodil Appeal last year and I want to keep on doing what I can to show how grateful I am for the charity’s fantastic work – and the Daffodil Walk seemed like the perfect opportunity. I’ll be walking alongside my partner, Gareth and my little boy, Ivan, and it’ll be our way of giving something back.”

Antony Jones, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Liverpool, said: “We’re really excited to be hosting our first Daffodil Walk in the city, as part of this year’s Great Daffodil Appeal events. March is a special time of the year for the charity and we hope that this event gives more people the chance to come forward and show their support. Without fundraising we wouldn’t be able to continue to provide the vital services that we do for people at the hospice and across Liverpool.

“The walk is such a great way to get outdoors and have a nice day out with your friends and family too, while at the same doing something worthwhile for a local cause. And what better time of the year to do it when the daffodils are in full bloom and spring is in the air.”

The Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool Daffodil Walk will start at 10am from the Obelisk in Sefton Park. Walkers should arrive from 9am to sign-in and collect their t-shirts.