Marie Curie nurses say “merci” for the Grand Départ

£500,000 raised during the UK’s Tour de France stages will enable Marie Curie nurses to provide 25,000 hours of free care to people with terminal illnesses.

“Thank you, merci, and thank you again,” that’s the message Marie Curie Cancer Care, after the UK put its collective hands in its pockets and raised £500,000 for the charity over the course of the Tour de France Grand Départ.

Dr Jane Collins Chief Executive of Marie Curie said:

“I’m so proud that one of the many legacies of the Tour is that people with terminal illnesses will benefit from the expert care of Marie Curie nurses. Every amateur cyclist who pedaled a mile, every office worker who held a sweepstake, every volunteer who manned a collection; every single person who contributed and every pound donated helps us care for more terminally ill people and their families.”

“The money raised during the Tour provides only a fraction of what’s needed to continue to care for people living with terminal illnesses as well as vital emotional support for their families. If you can play a small part in keeping the Tour legacy going – whether that’s taking part in a Marie Curie event, or joining your local fundraising group – we’d be honoured to have you on board.”

Over the three UK stages of the Tour de France, Marie Curie vehicles – donated to the charity for the event – were driven in the publicity caravan by a team of nurses, including Caroline Leslie. “There were millions of people lining the route and we waved at every one of them. The atmosphere was absolutely incredible,” said Caroline. “I know how the Queen must feel now!”

Caroline’s waving was not in vain: “To have raised so much is fantastic. It enables nurses like me to provide care to terminally ill people and give emotional support to their families at a time when they need it the most.

The £500,000 was raised through a combination of events across the UK. These included collections at Tour de France supporter hubs, a text to donate campaign, Grand Départy events held in the spirit of all things French/yellow/cycling, and the Power Peloton. The Peloton saw 14 amateur cyclists ride the 118 miles of Stage One from Leeds to Harrogate, just a few hours ahead of the professionals. The 14 raised around £300,000 between them.

To find out more about Marie Curie’s fundraising groups, or to set up your own, give us a call on 08700 340 040 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/groups.
Marie Curie events range from Blooming Great Tea Parties and Walk Ten to cycling events and overseas experiences. There’s something for everyone. Find out more at www.mariecurie.org.uk/events2014

You can donate to Marie Curie’s work in caring for terminally ill people by text – just text “TOUR” to 70007 to make a £5 donation (terms and conditions apply).*

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