📢 We've just published our Better End of Life Report.
People have told us that access to high-quality palliative and end of life care is patchy, inconsistent, and inequitable. But better care is possible.
Here's 3 key things you need to know... 👇
Huge thanks to
@LFC
@red_neighbours
for bringing the Premier League Trophy to our Liverpool Hospice to lift everyone's spirits!
“It was a big surprise to see the trophy at the hospice, I’m over the moon! My son and my grandson are going to be very jealous!” - Linda, patient
"You can volunteer to take life seriously, but it is going to get you. It's harsh. You can either break down and complain about how miserable your life is, or have a go at it and survive. I think that's the basis of it all." -
#BillyConnolly
Today we're inviting you to come together to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.
Join us for a minute of silence at 12 noon and find out more about the National
#DayOfReflection
:
"After Life has moved audiences from laughter to tears around the world." - The latest series from
@rickygervais
about grief and life after loss has got lots of people talking
Clive received his terminal diagnosis almost ten years before he died. He had the time to ponder what it means to be mortal, say his goodbyes & even write his own obituary – all with a touch of his characteristic dry wit & sense of humour.
“On the anniversary of Mum's passing I try to have a brandy and ginger, her favourite tipple, to remember her by. I know she’ll always be with me.” -
@chris_kammy
Whether you’re a fundraiser or a proud supporter, you’re helping us care for more families affected by terminal illness. Please retweet to show your support for our Great Daffodil Appeal this March 💛
We're so sad to hear about the death of Bill Withers. His songs, including Lean on Me, were a source of inspiration for so many & our video from our
@BradfordHospice
is a real tribute. Our work on the frontline is never on hold & you can always lean on us:
“With the complexities of grief rarely shown through the lens of a male protagonist,
#AfterLife
helps shift the dial on representation of mental health on screen.
@rickygervais
plays Tony whose willingness to talk openly about his feelings is refreshing.”
This is a preview of our new TV advert.
Because of coronavirus, everything is being put on hold. We wish we could put terminal illness on hold too. But we can’t. In this time of national emergency, we are needed more than ever.
Please donate and share:
"Many people who are grieving say the support they receive from their friends and family is one of the things that helps them get through. Don't be afraid to reach out."
Read more about how to support grieving friends and stay connected:
#DayOfReflection
Today is the National Day of Reflection. To support the millions grieving and remember a loved one lost, join our minute's silence at 12 noon and let's connect.
#DayOfReflection
We were very excited to welcome a special guest to our Cardiff Hospice today!
Thank you HRH The Prince of Wales for coming to celebrate the hospice's 60th anniversary and visiting the wards.
@ClarenceHouse
We were delighted that Dr Karen from
@MarieCurieUK
got to attend the special
#TogetherAtChristmas
carol service hosted by The Princess of Wales in memory of her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 🎄🎵
Remembering and talking about loved ones we’ve lost helps keep their legacy alive. That's why we're asking people to share a special message this
#LeapYear
💛
#OneMoreDay
On 23 March, we're inviting you to take a minute to reflect and a moment to connect as part of a National
#DayOfReflection
.
Join the minute's silence at 12 noon one month from now to show your support for the millions of people who've been bereaved:
“Why do we provide midwifery but not end of life services? It’s completely crackers." - Clair (
@DyingWell_UK
)
Clair was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in 2018 and has very kindly taken the time to support our mission to
#MakeCareFair
while receiving hospice care. 🧵(1/5)
"As coronavirus put me in a coma, I thought I’d never see my family again. Six months on, I’m back to work as a nurse... and I’m now a granddad to a bouncing baby boy, too."
Read Nurse Ola's incredible survivor story:
"I recently looked after a lovely man who loved music. Due to Covid his family couldn't be with him. I was privileged to sit with him in his final hour and play the music I knew he loved. He passed peacefully and we let his family know we were with him at his end." - Nurse Donna
"For me, I’m not dying of cancer, I’m actually living with it and I’m living every day with it. And that’s why I put on my lippy every morning, and I make the most of my day."
#WorldCancerDay
"Grief is a very unpredictable mistress. You absolutely do not know it's going to treat you and how you're going to treat it. You have no idea until you experience it." -
@lucyjbriers
Lucy Briers joins us on the Marie Curie Couch. Listen here:
Linda is a huge Michael Bolton
@mbsings
fan and had tickets to see him in concert this year. Due to coronavirus that has been postponed till next year which means Linda may not live to see it. So we organised a very special surprise for her instead...
We're grateful to our patron, HRH Prince Charles, and to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for wearing their daffodils in support of the Great Daffodil Appeal!
The Duke can be seen receiving a warm greeting just outside of our shop in Abergavenny in Gwent, Wales earlier today 💛
Thinking of so many today 💛 Dads who are supporting children through tough times, children who are supporting dads through tough times, and those who have lost their dads.
#FathersDay
Thank you
@GaryScribbler
for the beautiful doodle.
Actor Damian Lewis has spoken so movingly about his wife and her attitude to dying, following her death last week.
Preparing for death can bring a sense of peace and control, and often makes it easier for loved ones left behind. Read more:
.
@GaryScribbler
has been drawing and talking about his experiences of grief since losing his wife, Joy.
We’re delighted that Gary will be supporting our work as a Marie Curie Digital Ambassador, helping us all to talk more openly about grief and loss:
Oh my Christ! Join the one and only Alison Steadman, our wonderful ambassador, on Thursday 21 May at 8.15pm for a very special Gavin & Stacey quiz! Find out more:
We were delighted that HRH The Prince of Wales was the first person to sign this year's Great Big Daffodil petal.
You can visit our Great Big Daffodil on tour and leave a message yourself:
@ClarenceHouse
"Diwali is the celebration of light and so, coming at a time of darkness, we need to ensure that our inner light stays ignited." - Sister Jayanti
@DiwaliLondon
@BrahmaKumarisUK
To everyone celebrating, we wish you all a safe and happy
#Diwali
Last year, many of you sacrificed funerals, Christmas, and final memories with loved ones who died during lockdown - some of you grieved alone.
We understand the news right now may be upsetting and if you need support, we're here to listen and help: 0800 090 2309 💛
"Feeling or looking beautiful has never been my goal. I just enjoy feeling and looking like myself and not a cancer patient all of the time." - Jemma, 28, is a mum of 3, who's living with terminal cancer. She shares the little things that keep her smiling
📢BREAKING NEWS: Following our multi-year campaign with
@mndassoc
, terminally ill people in the UK who have 12 months or fewer to live can now get fast-track access to the benefits that they need.
Today is the National
#DayOfReflection
. Pause to remember loved ones who've died and show support for the millions grieving by joining our minute's silence at midday. Find out more:
"The only thing worse than dying young is dying young and having a funeral at which the things that were important to you are hidden away."
Openly gay retired funeral celebrant, Mike says people should be free to celebrate being LGBTQ+ at their funeral:
"I feel calm when my animals are around." - Jane had a very special visit from her horse Ruby at our Cardiff Hospice last week.
Our nursing team organised the visit, and took Jane's bed outside so she could see Ruby in our hospice garden 🐴
Here's a sneak preview of our new TV advert. It's to launch our campaign encouraging people to
#talkabout
and prepare for the end of life, and we wanted you to see it here first.
Here's your chance to own a piece of TV history and support our emergency appeal by bidding for
@antanddec
's superhero outfits (they have been washed!) generously donated by
@ITV
. Bid now:
"Grief for me is absence. Absence of my Dad. Absence of his physical presence. Absence of his voice, his laugh, his advice, his love. Grief just turns up. It surprises me every time."
@lucyjbriers
on the death of her father, actor Richard Briers:
The National
#DayOfReflection
will give us all time to pause, to think about this unprecedented loss we're facing, and support each other through grief.
Let's come together on 23 March to reflect on the last year and hope for a brighter future:
'Days before she died, I asked my mother what I would do without her. She looked me in the eye and replied, very calmly, with one word: “Grow.”' - Rachel
Politician
@DavidLammy
opens up about his much loved mum - her impact on his life, her cancer and death, and his grief - on our podcast 'On the Marie Curie Couch:
Sir Bruce Forsyth’s family have chosen us as the beneficiary of a special memorial event celebrating the life of Sir Bruce. We’re very grateful for the support they both gave to Marie Curie over the years, and for Lady Forsyth’s continued support.
When the coronavirus crisis is over, we will need some time and space to come together and
#uniteinmemory
for everyone who has died during this time.
Please sign our petition for a national day to reflect, grieve and remember:
We are deeply saddened to hear the news that comic genius Barry Chuckle has died. Barry was a long term, loyal supporter of
@MarieCurieUK
and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, his brother
@PaulChuckle2
, and friends at this very sad time.
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Nurse Barbara, a dedicated member of our Marie Curie family, died of Covid-19 on Sunday. Read our tribute to this incredible lady: 💛
“We need to mark the huge amount of loss we’ve seen this year and show support for everyone who has been bereaved – be that from covid or any other cause." -
@matthewreedblog
Join us on 23 March for a National
#DayOfReflection
. Find out more:
"We’re thinking of our colleagues in the NHS, especially in ICU right now, and sending much support. Here at Marie Curie we’re all doing our bit to get through. Our nurses are out and about supporting dying people at home. We’re here for you." - Nurse Mairead, Rapid Response Team
"I didn't think it was possible to find love after loss. But I was wrong – and I will forever be grateful that I was!"
Thank you to
@GaryScribbler
for sharing his experience on finding love again after the loss of his wife Joy 💛 Read his story:
Thank you to our nurses who travelled in the snow last night so they could provide care, and to every nurse working in the community. This photo was shared by our Rapid Response Team in London
#LondonSnow
We have an important message for new Prime Minister,
@BorisJohnson
. Dying people can’t wait for changes to the benefits system.
#BorisJohnsonPM
You can help by sharing Jim’s message and signing our
#Scrap6Months
petition:
Sharing special memories can be comforting when we're grieving 💛
If you're struggling to cope with grief and don't feel ready to take part, that's okay. Our free Support Line is here if you need to talk to someone: 0800 090 2309
Thank you to everyone for being part of the National
#DayOfReflection
and making it so special.
Millions paused for a minute’s silence to remember those who have died and lit candles. Landmarks shone yellow for the bereaved. Together we can help each other heal 💛
"I remember one patient who really wanted to have breakfast outside. It was a beautiful summer’s morning. I helped him up and outside, got him his breakfast and stayed with him until his morning carers came." - Healthcare Assistant Matthew
“I don’t find palliative care depressing at all. I find it uplifting to be able to give people exactly what they need to make their last days in this world comfortable." - Nurse Adam:
"I worked Christmas Day last year - it was my first one. Driving into work, I was thinking, 'do you really want to work Christmas Day?' and then I thought, all my children have left home, so where do I want to be but helping people?" - Angela, Healthcare Assistant
"I cried the whole night" - Healthcare Assistant Sanyu shares the tragic story of a patient she thought about during the one-minute silence today 💛
#DayOfReflection
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Lin has died. Her recent video diaries about living with a terminal illness have touched so many, and you may recognise her from our recent TV ad too. Read our open letter to this inspirational lady: 💛
Groundbreaking news from our campaign to
#MakeCareFair
End of life care will become a legal right for everyone in England for the first time in NHS history.
The campaigning isn't over, but this is a huge step forward for palliative care.
Concerned when avid
@NewcastleEagle
season ticket holder Paul failed to turn up to the last few games, marketing manager Kerry found out that he was being cared for in our Newcastle Hospice. She thought if Paul couldn't get to the Eagles she would bring the Eagles to him 🏀
"My friend Paul, a hotelier, knew how much I love being in bed! He left me bedding in his Will for every bed in my house. There's not a day goes by that I don't think of him.”
Listen to
@AnnekaRice
on the latest episode of On the Marie Curie Couch:
We know that there may be lots of reasons why the start of a new year can feel difficult.
Does this resonate with you? We're here for you if you need us:
@thismorning
“Some people think not talking about death is a loving thing. I don’t think that’s true, because if you don’t talk about it, you don’t prepare. It can cause a lot of regret, anger, upset.” - Jim Carter
@thismorning
Clair's dedication to supporting others was, and is, truly inspiring. Even in her final weeks, she continued to champion calls for everyone to receive quality end of life care. For that, we are forever grateful 💛 Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
Clair died today. We are thankful for her life, which she lived well, and for all the happiness we have enjoyed together.
Thank you for being part of Clair’s Dying Well Journey. This final blog post is her Goodbye.
We love these beautiful interpretations of some death euphemisms illustrated by our very talented digital ambassador,
@GaryScribbler
.
Whatever you call it, we should all
#talkabout
it:
"I have terminal cancer yet my benefits were stopped twice. Now, every time I get a letter from the DWP I'm worried. I share my experience so others don't have to go through what I have." – Mark
Tell us your experience of benefits and terminal illness:
"During our lives we all share two common events, our birth and our death. Births are planned for and celebrated; deaths should be no different."
Andrew, a Marie Curie Companion, shares what he's learnt from supporting bereaved people:
We hope you enjoyed your extra hour in bed this morning! 🕑 And to all of our nurses and hospice staff who worked an extra hour last night, thank you 💛
#clocksgoback
“My job has changed in many ways. At times it’s been challenging and very stressful. But, the atmosphere in the hospice is one of solidarity. Staff continue to make patients smile and laugh and that makes me incredibly proud.”- Debbie, Ward Sister, Belfast Hospice
A huge well done to Nurse Catherine who ran a marathon for us this weekend - all 26.2 miles - in her front garden! 👏👏👏
If you'd like to take on your own
#TwoPointSixChallenge
for us, find out more information:
#TeamMarieCurie
Today is the
#DayOfReflection
.
We're encouraging everyone to take a moment to remember those who died during the pandemic and acknowledge our grief.
If you're thinking of a loved one today, share their name 💛
Thank you to the wonderful Alison Steadman for reading one of Sandra's beautiful poems 💛
Read more about Sandra and how you can get a copy of her poetry collection to help raise money for us: