Last week I was delighted to see representatives of Marie Curie in the Scottish Parliament, to mark the 30th anniversary of their Great Daffodil Appeal. Each year during the month of March, volunteers and supporters of Marie Curie give up their time to fundraise for the appeal in whatever way they can. Almost every single one of us will know someone who has been affected by cancer, or been affected ourselves.

Marie Curie is a charity which has been close to my heart since childhood – when, after losing two of my grandparents to cancer, I would often see my mother wearing the yellow daffodil to show her support.

Aptly named for a selfless and humble Polish scientist who dedicated her life to scientific research, Marie Curie the charity is perhaps best known for the work it has done over the years in cancer care. However, it is worth noting that they have since broadened their scope to including palliative care to people with other terminal illnesses too.

Marie Curie’s focus has always been on the holistic wellbeing of the patients and their families at what is often the most difficult time in their lives. As well as offering support with the physical effects of terminal illness, their services aim to guide patients and families through the devastating emotional and mental impact of preparing to die, or saying goodbye to a loved one.

Throughout this process, their support is vitally underpinned by the dedicated work of Marie Curie Nurses, who provide 24-hour care both in hospices and in patients’ homes, and who often personally become a source of advice and comfort to families.

So many of us have been there, by the side of a loved one while they receive the awful diagnosis, struggling to come to terms, but then determined to make the most of what time they have. I personally lost an uncle to cancer late last year - a man I loved dearly, who spent his final months in expert and compassionate hands of hospice nurses at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow.

Marie Curie also runs a hospice in Glasgow, in the north-east, and Macmillan Cancer, based in Govan, have recently rolled out Improving the Cancer Journey, another significant, holistic programme of services.

I am not sure what families like mine would do without services like these, helping us support our loved ones throughout their illnesses.

The Scottish Government is determined to ensure that all people with terminal illnesses receive palliative care when they need it – as can be seen in our recently published framework for palliative and end-of-life care. To ensure that care is the best, we will continue to seek the experience and expertise of organisations like Marie Curie and Macmillan, and many others, and support them in every way we can.

Should you wish to make your own contribution to Marie Curie, why not donate online, buy a daffodil pin from a vendor, or pop into one of their many shops.

If you or someone you love has cancer or another long-term or terminal illness, and are looking for support or advice on the care available get, ask your GP about services available from organisations like Marie Curie or Macmillan.

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/donate