A new Marie Curie fundraising group from the Idle area of Bradford has launched the charity’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal in the district.

Volunteers from the new Idle Daffs group were out in force for a supermarket collection at Tesco in Valley Road, Bradford, over the weekend.

It is the first of many supermarket collections which will take place during Marie Curie’s biggest fundraising month of the year.

Although the Great Daffodil Appeal does not take place until March, the charity needs to recruit volunteers now to make it a success.

The aim is to have as many collectors out across the district during the month, encouraging people to give a donation in return for a daffodil pin.

All money raised will allow Marie Curie nurses to provide more free care to people with terminal cancer and other illnesses in their own homes or the charity’s Bradford hospice.

The Idle Daffs, including Councillor Jeanette Sunderland and Bradford East Liberal Democrat MP David Ward, got the appeal off to a flying start by encouraging everyone to wear their silk daffodil and show their support for the charity.

Coun Sunderland said: “My mum has been a patient at the hospice and we have spent a lot of time there and seen the work that goes on, so it means a lot.

“I would urge people to volunteer an hour of their time for the Great Daffodil Appeal.”

Mr Ward said: “I have been supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care Bradford Hospice for a number of years, and this year will be taking part in the London Marathon to raise funds.

“It is my pleasure to become involved and be a member of this local fundraising group and would encourage others to do the same. ”

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