Sir Gavin Williamson joined sitcom star Alison Steadman at a Marie Curie Parliamentary event to raise awareness of the charities work.
Alison Steadman, who played Pamela Shipman in the BBC classic Gavin and Stacey, has been a supporter of Marie Curie for many years and met with Sir Gavin to discuss how Marie Curie can continue to provide end of life care as well as supporting loved ones. New research published last month by Marie Curie shows that nearly one in three people are still dying without the support they need.
The charity is once again promoting their daffodil campaign with money raised supporting Marie Curie nurses to provide expert life-ending care where there is no chance of survival from illness.
Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of Marie Curie noted: “Right now there is a crisis in end-of-life care. For far too many people, their experiences of the end of life are marked by avoidable pain, poverty, and worry about where to access help.
“This lack of care is heaping greater pressure on our health system, as more people at the end of life are reaching crisis point, and are forced to visit A & E or call an ambulance to get the help they need.
“Marie Curie is working hard to ensure that everyone has the expert care they need at the end of their lives, but we need the support of our politicians to fix this crisis. That is why we are so grateful to Sir Gavin for supporting our work and the Great Daffodil Appeal.”
Alison Steadman, who is Celebrity Ambassador for Marie Curie added: “As someone who has supported Marie Curie for many years, I have seen myself the incredible difference they make to people and their families at the end of life. They cared for my mother, and I will never forget the kindness, comfort, and dignity they gave her. It meant the world to us.
“What Marie Curie does is truly vital. Their nurses make sure that people aren’t left in pain, or frightened, or alone – they bring compassion into the hardest moments.”
Sir Gavin said: “It is always such a pleasure to show my support for the outstanding work undertaken by Marie Curie; and their dedicated nurses who make an incredible difference to the lives of those in Staffordshire and across the country.
“I have always championed the need to focus on end-of-life care, so that those who are terminally ill are given the compassionate and dignified care they deserve.
“I urge everyone across Staffordshire to show their support for the Great Daffodil Appeal in any way they can. Every donation is a chance to ensure that more people receive expert care and support at the end of life.”
