Chris Kamara surprises Leeds locals as he launches Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal

The TV presenter and football pundit was spotted in Leeds town centre in his latest role as a Marie Curie fundraiser

Kamara is urging the public to donate and wear a daffodil pin to show support for the end of life charity

The Great Daffodil Appeal is taking place throughout March to help Marie Curie bring expert end of life care to more people: Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

Chris Kamara has taken to the streets of Leeds as Marie Curie’s newest volunteer. Helping to kick off the end of life charity’s Great Daffodil Appeal, he was seen laughing with locals as he raised money for the month-long fundraiser.

Known for his vibrant personality and having been awarded an MBE in part for his dedication to the UK’s leading end of life charity, Kamara is using his platform to encourage people to donate and wear the iconic daffodil pin this March.

He has been an ambassador for Marie Curie since 2010, passionately supporting the charity’s mission after his mother Irene was cared for by the charity after being diagnosed with breast cancer. His advocacy is inspired not only by his own experience, but also his commitment to helping others navigate difficult life journeys.

Kamara stepped away from public life after his 2022 diagnosis of apraxia, a condition affecting his speech, but in December made his return as a broadcaster and TV personality.

Chris Kamara, Marie Curie ambassador, comments: “It’s an honour to join Marie Curie’s band of volunteers today. They are doing amazing work, getting out there to drum up funds and support for this year’s Great Daffodil Appeal.

“Marie Curie’s work is invaluable, providing expert care and support to people, and their families, at the most difficult times in their lives. I can’t say how much my family appreciated their support when they looked after my mum.  

“Having faced my own challenges, I understand just how important it is to have the right support when you need it most. That’s why I’m urging everyone – up and down the country- to get involved – whether by donating your time or money, every bit helps Marie Curie continue their incredible work, so please give them your support if you can.”

Every five minutes, someone dies without the care they need. The Great Daffodil Appeal encourages everyone to wear their daffodil pins and donate to the end of life charity through the month of March to help Marie Curie bring expert end of life care to more people.

Kayleigh Darlington, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Leeds, said: “We’re so thrilled to have Chris supporting this year’s Great Daffodil Appeal. His ongoing commitment to our cause and help with our collection in Leeds means so much to us.

“We believe everyone deserves the best possible end of life care. The Great Daffodil Appeal, now in its 39th year, is an easy and fun way to join in and give back to the local community whilst also helping Marie Curie continue to bring vital hospice care to more people. We are grateful for every donation, it makes a real difference.”

To support the Great Daffodil Appeal in 2025 you can pick up an iconic daffodil pin in Morrisons, Superdrug, Savers and SPAR stores this March. For more information on how to get involved or to donate go to Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

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About The Great Daffodil Appeal 

Marie Curie’s annual fundraiser takes place every March. People are encouraged to donate and wear a daffodil pin to raise money to help Marie Curie continue its vital work.

Currently, one in four people do not get the care and support they need at the end of life. The money raised is essential in helping Marie Curie provide expert care and support to patients with a terminal diagnosis and their families, enabling people to spend their final days with dignity and surrounded by loved ones.

Whether through the charity’s hospices, care at home services or free Information and Support line which provides practical and emotional support on any aspect of dying, death and bereavement.

A typical two-hour collection shift raises on average £85, enough to fund almost four hours of expert nursing care or five calls to Marie Curie’s Support Line. Every collection shift makes a real difference and in 2024 alone, the Great Daffodil Appeal collections raised almost £1.3 million and Marie Curie is calling on the public’s support to raise even more this year.

Case study: Mike & Kerry Freeman

The Great Daffodil Appeal funds vital services and support that make a big difference in the lives of those facing terminal illness. One example is Mike Freeman and his wife Kerry.

Mike, from Solihull, knows firsthand how valuable Marie Curie’s care can be. His wife Kerry was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January 2022 at the age of 41. She bravely battled her illness for nearly two years, before passing away in November 2023.

Determined to provide Kerry with the best care in her final days, Mike and their two young children, Tommy and Chloe, turned to Marie Curie. The hospice not only offered expert medical care but also provided emotional support, especially for the young children.

Kerry passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, love, and care. Her story shows the incredible impact of donating to the Great Daffodil Appeal and how donations can directly help individuals in need of end of life support.

There’s only one chance to give someone the best possible end of life. This Great Daffodil Appeal, help give people the care they need. To donate visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

About Marie Curie

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity.

The charity provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, in our hospices and where they live.  It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, and campaigns to ensure everyone has a good end of life experience. Whatever the illness, we’re with you to the end.

If you’re living with a terminal illness or have been affected by dying, death and bereavement, Marie Curie can help. Visit mariecurie.org.uk or call the free Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309.

Whatever the illness, wherever you are, Marie Curie is with you to the end.