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Volunteers needed now for Marie Curie's Great Daffodil Appeal in Southport

MARIE Curie, the UK's leading charity for people living with a terminal illness and their families, is urgently calling for volunteers in Southport to give just 2 hours of their time to hand out the charity's iconic daffodil pins, in return for donations. Volunteers will be supporting the Great Daffodil Appeal; Marie Curie's biggest fundraising campaign, held every March. In the next 10 years, more than 6 million people will die in the UK and of this number 75% will need end of life care. The money raised from the Great Daffodil Appeal will help Marie Curie provide much needed expert care to people with terminal illnesses, as well as support for their loved ones.

Tina Gill, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Southport, said:- "Whether you wear a daffodil pin in celebration, in solidarity or in memory of a loved one, you are joining with millions of others to help make sure all dying people get the care and support they deserve. Volunteering just two hours at a Local collection is a great way to show your support and help us raise money to help make sure that we can be there for more people at the end of their lives. Collecting can be a lot of fun too. You can do it on your own or with family and friends, and we will support you every step of the way. Volunteering is also an easy way to get involved in your Local community and meet new people."

To volunteer for Marie Curie's Great Daffodil Appeal and give out the charity's daffodils pins in return for donations, visit:- MarieCurie.Org.UK or contact Tina Gill on Tina.Gill@MarieCurie.Org.UK or call:- 0151 801 1405.

Worrying number of people delay going to the Doctors

A recent survey by Pancreatic Cancer Action (PCA) revealed that a worrying number of people in the UK would put off going to the Doctors for reasons such as being embarrassed or not having enough time. Even when experiencing Jaundice, a life threatening condition, only 61% of people would go to the GP.

The survey showed that that 27% of people are too embarrassed to go to the Doctors with 31% worrying what the Doctor might find. Also, did you know that 46% would rather google their symptoms than visit a Doctor?

Pale and smelly stools, 1 of the symptoms linked to being 'embarrassing,' is a sign of pancreatic cancer, which has one of the lowest survival rates of all common cancers. In the survey, only 27% of people answered that they were 'very likely' to go to the GP if they had a change in bowel habit.

Even though 61% agreed that they should visit a GP sooner if they have symptoms that concern them, people are clearly putting off going to the Doctors which is a cause for concern.

Dr Ellie Cannon says:- "Early diagnosis of cancer is so important; if people are not visiting their GP with symptoms then they could be missing out on early diagnosis which often saves lives, particularly for pancreatic cancer. People should never be embarrassed of going to the Doctors, regardless of the problem, Doctors will never judge and are there to help you."

The survey, commissioned by Pancreatic Cancer Action, also revealed that 24% say they are too busy to go to the Doctor, 19% have too many other things to worry about and 37% are worried about wasting a Doctor's time.

Dr Ellie Cannon continues:- "A lot of Doctors Surgeries do more convenient phone consultation which can save time and a lot of surgeries have early/late appointments for people who work full time."

Ali Stunt, Founder and CEO of Pancreatic Cancer Action and 12 year survivor says:- "We need to get the message out to the public not to be embarrassed or worried what the Doctor might find and to put their health 1st. With pancreatic cancer survival rates being under 8%, early diagnosis is vital. People need to go to their Doctors if they are experiencing symptoms that are persistent and not normal to them."

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:- indigestion, pain on eating, mid back pain, Jaundice, upper abdominal pain, pale and smelly stools, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, new onset diabetes and nausea.

If you are worried about pancreatic cancer, please visit:- PANAct.Org for more information and support.

Did you know? The Pancreatic Cancer Scotland (PCS) are to merge with the PCA, if approval from OSCR (Office of The Scottish Charity Regulator) is given!