Marie Curie to provide care and support over New Year

Marie Curie, a charity providing care and support to people living with a terminal illness, is encouraging folk in Orkney to contact their support line if they need extra support after Christmas into the New Year.

Marie Curie’s helpline provides free and confidential emotional support about any aspect of terminal illness, as well as offering help with bereavement. Last December it was accessed over 70,000 times.

In Orkney, Marie Curie nurses will continue to visit people in their own homes across the festive period, delivering vital hands on care.

Edgar Balfour from Finstown, whose mum Hazel was cared for by Marie Curie Nurses last December, said: “Mum wanted to be cared for and die at home and while we wanted that for her, we were worried that we didn’t know how to look after her for the best.

“We also weren’t sure we could manage her care, particularly overnight, among the family. The Marie Curie Nurses were like angels coming from nowhere in our time of need. They looked after all the care and that meant we could have quality time with mum.”

Marie Curie Nurses in Orkney made 88 visits to people between 2017-18, providing vital hands on care and support when it’s needed most.

Speaking about the care she provides, Marie Curie nurse Olive Robertson said: “We work closely with NHS colleagues to help people be cared for and die where they most want to be, often at home, surrounded by families which can be so important to people at this time of year.”

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur believes Marie Curie Nurses provide excellent care to families.

“I am pleased to hear that the support services will be open every day at this time of year,” he said.

“I hope people will continue their generous support to the Orkney Fundraising group as sadly, many more people will need the help of Marie Curie as our population ages and people live longer with multiple and complex needs.”

Linda Lennie, of the Marie Curie Orkney Fundraising Group, which organises local events and activities has thanked everyone who has supported the charity this year with their time and donations.

“We hope as more people hear about the amazing care offered locally that support will grow and we’ll continue to do all we can to give people the opportunity to get involved,” she said.

You can contact the Marie Curie support line on 0800 090 2309 and online chat: mariecurie.org.uk/support