PAINT Bolton yellow — that is the message from the Marie Curie Nurses Appeal as the biggest event in the charity’s calendar gets under way.

The Great Daffodil Appeal officially launches today, marking the start of a month of intensive fundraising centred on Marie Curie Cancer Care’s symbol, a yellow daffodil.

All the money raised in Bolton will go to the campaign, which is being supported by The Bolton News, and aims to raise £200,000 in a year.

Fundraisers have until the end of June to hit the target, with all the proceeds funding more free home nursing care for local terminally ill people.

They hope the Great Daffodil Appeal will provide a big boost to the total, which stood at £61,000 at the end of November — an updated total is expected later this month.

Throughout this month, people will be able to buy daffodil pins, donate to collections, get involved in themed fundraising events or organise their own.

Community fundraiser Hannah Taylor said: “Every donation and all money raised from daffodil-themed fundraising will help us to provide more free nursing care to people in Bolton, allowing people to die in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by family and friends.

“The money raised will help us reach our £200,000 target to cover the cost of Marie Curie nursing in Bolton this year.

“So please make a donation, wear a daffodil, do whatever you can to raise funds and help Marie Curie Cancer Care paint Bolton yellow this March.”

* To find out more or get involved visit the website mariecurie.org.uk or call 0161 255 2809.

* Let us know what you are doing to paint Bolton yellow on 01204 537203.

cherry.thomas@ theboltonnews.co.uk

Help paint Bolton yellow

* Brighten up your workplace, school or club by holding a yellow-themed fundraiser — dress in yellow, sit in a bath of custard, stage a cake sale with yellow icing or a plant sale with yellow flowers. Free daffodil fundraising packs are available to help — contact Hannah Taylor on 0161 255 2809.

* Volunteer at a collection. Join the army of volunteers in Bolton and give up a few hours to help collect donations at events at supermarkets. For a list of dates and venues ring the above number.

* Request a box of daffodils for your workplace or club. Get colleagues, visitors, customers, friends and members to make a donation in return for a daffodil badge.

* Watch out for the daffodil boxes and daffodil collectors and contribute what you can. Remember to wear your daffodil to show your support.

* Take part in a choreographed Daffodil Dance. If you are in a dance club you can choose from salsa, ballroom or line-dancing. You will receive a free fundraising pack and details of the steps. To register before March 31, contact 0845 601 3107, email dancing@mariecurie.org.uk or visit mariecurie.org.uk/daffodildance.