Alison Steadman OBE meets over 100 MPs to highlight crisis in end of life care

Alison Steadman OBE met with over 100 MPs last week at an annual parliamentary drop-in event organised by the UK's leading end of life charity Marie Curie to mark the 40th anniversary of its Great Daffodil Appeal.

The actress, beloved for playing the iconic Pamela in Gavin & Stacey, spent the day meeting MPs and championing the urgent need for better end of life care and support across the UK.

In total, Alison met a record breaking 102 MPs, surpassing previous record attendances.

So, for any eagle-eyed viewers of PMQs who might have spotted numerous MPs wearing daffodil pin badges this week, it's highly likely they were given them by the Gavin & Stacey icon.

Alongside her, Marie Curie Clinical Nursing Manager Seeta and Marie Curie Healthcare Assistant Kathy demonstrated the charity's work and chatted to MPs and UK government ministers, including Care Minister Stephen Kinnock and Stuart Andrew, the Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Alison Steadman OBE said:
"As someone who's supported Marie Curie for many years, I've seen 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 was truly heartening to see so many MPs and parliamentarians from across the House show their support for Marie Curie and the Great Daffodil Appeal. What Marie Curie does is vital. Their nurses make sure people aren't left in avoidable pain, frightened, or alone – they bring compassion into the hardest moments and help ensure more people receive the dignity they deserve at the end of their life.

"The Great Daffodil Appeal comes round just once a year, and it helps Marie Curie reach so many more people who need that care, whatever their illness. That's why I'm asking everyone to get involved and show their support."

The record-breaking day comes as new research from Marie Curie reveals that almost one in three people in the UK are still dying in pain and distress, without the support they need.

Representatives from the charity were also on hand to meet with MPs and policymakers to discuss the challenges facing people at the end of life with and set out what the charity would like to see in the upcoming Palliative and End of Life Care Modern Service Framework.

This March, in support of the Great Daffodil Appeal, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Marie Curie is urging the public to donate and wear a daffodil pin to help fund its vital services.

Money raised by the Great Daffodil Appeal supports Marie Curie Nurses to provide expert end of life care for people with any terminal illness, as well as the charity's free Support Line and webchat, which offer practical and emotional guidance to anyone affected by dying, death or bereavement.

To find out more, or donate, visit mariecurie.org.uk

ENDS