MID Scotland & Fife MSP Alex Rowley is supporting a call to 'make every daffodil count' as the Great Daffodil Appeal gets underway.

The biggest annual fundraising campaign for Marie Curie is taking place throughout March.

The charity is asking people to simply give a donation and wear a Marie Curie daffodil pin.

All funds raised help Marie Curie Nurses be there for people living with a terminal illness in their own homes or at the charity’s two Scottish hospices in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Marie Curie nurses work night and day in people’s homes across the UK, and hospices provide expert care round the clock; 9,500 people will need palliative care in the Mid Scotland and Fife area each year.

The charity continues to work with the new health and social care partnerships to ensure that palliative care services reach more people and everyone gets the care they need.

Mr Rowley, deputy leader of Scottish Labour, said: "Marie Curie carry out vital work as the terminal illness charity, and their Great Daffodil Appeal raises awareness and much needed funds.

"I am pleased to support the daffodil appeal as I know the essential work it funds towards helping those in need.

"It is crucial that we deliver better end of life care for all, and Marie Curie carry out fantastic work in this area which should be commended."

Susan Lowes, Marie Curie policy and public affairs manager Scotland, said: "One in four people, around 11,000 in Scotland, miss out on the care they need and that’s not good enough.

"Join our biggest annual fundraising appeal and help us provide vital hands on care and emotional support to people living with a terminal illness, and their loved ones.

"Make every daffodil count by donating and wearing your daffodil pin."

For more visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil or call 0800 304 7025.

To donate £5, text DAFF to 70111.

Texts cost £5 plus your standard network rate; 98 per cent of your donation is received by Marie Curie.