An East Lancs MP has backed end-of-life charity Marie Curie’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal which raises money to support those affected by terminal illness.

Andrew Stephenson, Conservative MP for Pendle, and actor Jane Horrocks were among the famous faces backing the appeal at a Westminster event on Wednesday, March 1, to celebrate and raise awareness of the 37th Great Daffodil Appeal.

Held every March, the appeal is when the charity encourages supporters to wear their daffodil pins, make a donation, and take part in a collection to raise money, which goes towards supporting both people affected by terminal illness, and those dealing with death, dying and bereavement.

Mr Stephenson pledged his support to the appeal and is encouraging people in Pendle to donate to the UK’s leading end-of-life charity and wear one of the iconic daffodil pins.

He said: “I’m proud to be supporting the Great Daffodil Appeal because everyone should have the best possible care and support at the end of life and Marie Curie is on a mission to deliver that.

 “Donating to Marie Curie means that their nurses and bereavement counsellors can continue to deliver much needed support not only to those at the end of life but also to those left behind.”

Ruth Driscoll, head of policy and public affairs at Marie Curie, said: “Demand for palliative and end of life care is rising rapidly, and we expect this trend to continue as the population ages.

 “The services that Marie Curie provide for people at the end of life are needed today more than ever and it is great to have the backing of MPs like Andrew Stephenson for the Great Daffodil Appeal.

"As people are living longer with multiple and complex health conditions it is becoming more challenging to ensure that every person at the end of life receives the care and support they need.”

Jane Horrocks, who has been a Marie Curie supporter since 2010, said: “As a long-term supporter of Marie Curie I have seen first-hand the wonderful work they do to support people at the end of life.

“Nobody expects to be diagnosed with a terminal illness. But with their expertise and understanding Marie Curie Nurses are able to bring a sense of calm to what can otherwise be a difficult time.

“That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to get themselves a daffodil pin and support Marie Curie during the much-loved Great Daffodil Appeal this March.”