Tesco customers across Northern Ireland have helped deliver a remarkable boost for Marie Curie by donating an incredible £65,000 during one weekend of fundraising, the largest total raised to date.

The funds were collected by dedicated Marie Curie volunteers at Tesco stores across NI as part of the charity’s Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign.

The appeal, which marks the start of spring with a powerful display of kindness and community spirit, helps fund Marie Curie nurses and frontline teams who provide vital care and support for people living with terminal illness, and their families.

Tesco Community Champions and store teams played an important role in supporting the fundraising weekend, welcoming volunteers and helping to raise awareness among customers.

Community Champion Robert Wilson (Newtownbreda, Belfast), Front End Manager Kym Coulter (Crumlin), and Community Champions Vaida Rusinskiene (Crumlin), Gail Adams (Antrim Road), Lesley Kirkpatrick (Antrim) and Anne Ritchie (Carrickfergus). Bottom row: Anne McRoberts, Marie Curie Deputy Head of Fundraising NI, Community Champions Lisa Morris (Newtownabbey, Belfast), Joanne Young (Northcott), Front End Manager Angela McAuley (Yorkgate, Belfast), Community Champion Donna McCotter (Yorkgate, Belfast) and Marie Harris, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser.

placeholder image — Community Champion Robert Wilson (Newtownbreda, Belfast), Front End Manager Kym Coulter (Crumlin), and Community Champions Vaida Rusinskiene (Crumlin), Gail Adams (Antrim Road), Lesley Kirkpatrick (Antrim) and Anne Ritchie (Carrickfergus). Bottom row: Anne McRoberts, Marie Curie Deputy Head of Fundraising NI, Community Champions Lisa Morris (Newtownabbey, Belfast), Joanne Young (Northcott), Front End Manager Angela McAuley (Yorkgate, Belfast), Community Champion Donna McCotter (Yorkgate, Belfast) and Marie Harris, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser.

Speaking on behalf of Tesco NI’s Community Champions and store managers, Community Champion Donna McCotter, from the Tesco store in Yorkgate, Belfast, said: “We are delighted to be handing over a cheque for £65,000 to Marie Curie, an important charity supporting people across Northern Ireland and their families through end-of-life care.

“This can be a challenging and uncertain time for families, but Marie Curie’s dedicated, professional and compassionate teams provide support in so many ways, including nursing care, pain management, emotional support, respite and a kind listening ear during and after care.

“Many of our Community Champions, colleagues and customers have a personal connection to Marie Curie, having seen family members or friends supported by the charity. During our fundraising weekend, many stories were shared, often with a tear.

“Tesco NI is always grateful for the generosity of our customers when it comes to supporting local charities. We are proud to continue helping Marie Curie deliver this vital support, which has touched so many families across Northern Ireland.”

Conor O’Kane, Senior Partnership Manager NI at Marie Curie, said: “Marie Curie is so grateful for Tesco NI’s continued support of our Great Daffodil Appeal. We’d like to thank Tesco NI staff for their warm welcome and amazing support throughout the collection weekend.

“And a huge thank you to Tesco customers for their incredible generosity. Your kindness ensures people across Northern Ireland receive vital end-of-life support, no matter the illness.”