On Friday Brian and I were invited to lunch at The Harley Estate in Brampton Bryan by Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Edward and Victoria Harley gave us all a short tour of their most magnificent Home – which was a great thrill as it is not normally open to the public.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch during which Tom Hughes Hallett, Chief Executive of Marie Curie Cancer Care shared with us information about the work of Marie Curie within Herefordshire. Ann, one of their wonderful nurses also told us a bit about the day to day work that she does around the County.
We were given a few of the facts and figures pertinent to Herefordshire – with a population of 178,000 – over 500 people are dying of cancer each year, and the country has only 22 Marie Curie nurses providing end of life care.
Research shows that most people would prefer to die at home if they had a terminal illness. Marie Curie provides what people want. Marie Curie provides their services free of charge to patients and their families.
Around 70% of the charity’s income comes from the generous support of thousands of individuals, membership organisations and businesses, with the balance coming from the NHS. Over 5000 people volunteer for Marie Curie Cancer Care on a regular basis and an amazing 164,000 volunteer once a years.
What can we all do to help? If this is a charity that you would like to become more involved in you should contact Richard Scott, Community Fundraiser, Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester - richard.scott@mariecurie.org.uk
