Former footballer turned pundit Chris Kamara donned a yellow daffodil pin and joined Marie Curie Nurses and Manchester shoppers to share tributes and memories of a loved one on a ‘Great Big Daffodil’ at the intu Trafford Centre earlier this week.

The 7-foot-tall (2 metre) Great Big Daffodil, which is travelling over 1,000 miles through seven towns and cities across the UK, gives everyone the opportunity to write messages on the pages of each petal of the daffodil, sharing their personal memories and stories behind the Marie Curie daffodil pin they wear.

Over 150 people added their messages to the Daffodil alongside Chris Kamara’s message to his mum, Irene, who was cared for by Marie Curie Nurses at home at the end of her life:

“If I had one more day with my mum I would sit and talk old times with her and give her a brandy and ginger – her favourite tipple. Love you mum.”

Marie Curie provides care and support to people with terminal illness and their families, and every March the Great Daffodil Appeal calls on people to donate and wear one of Marie Curie’s daffodil pins to help fund vital care and support for people living with terminal illness.

In Greater Manchester the appeal helps fund the charity’s at-home nursing service, as well as it’s free, confidential Information & Support Line which allows people to speak to a Marie Curie Nurse if they have questions or concerns about any aspect of terminal illness.

As well as sharing messages and donating, Chris Kamara and shoppers met Marie Curie fundraisers and supporters, including Jackie and Alan Booth from High Legh whose daughter, Lucy, was cared for by the charity before she died in 2016 from breast cancer, aged 37.

Lynn Partridge, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Manchester, said: “Manchester has once again shown its great support for Marie Curie and the services we provide to people across the area. We had so many shoppers visit the Great Big Daffodil and talk to us about the loved one behind the daffodil pin they wear.

“It’s been a real privilege to share a moment with people and remember their special someone, and to thank them for their support which enables our nurses to care for people with terminal illness and their families.”

People who could not make it along to the Great Big Daffodil can take part on social media using @mariecurieuk and follow the journey of the Great Big Daffodil at mariecurie.org.uk/greatbigdaffodil

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