END-of-life charity Marie Curie is calling on volunteers to help collect for its Christmas Appeal.

Marie Curie believes everyone experiencing death, dying or bereavement should be able to have the best Christmas possible

The charity is encouraging people across Dorset to don a festive hat and take to their local high street or supermarket to help raise much-needed funds to support people facing the toughest of times this festive season.

Kara Frampton, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Dorset, said: “Last Christmas the generous people of Dorset donated £4,621 and we were incredibly grateful to all our amazing volunteers who helped us raise these much-needed funds.

"More recently, during our summer and autumn 2023 public collections, in Dorset we raised over £5,600. This could fund over 243 hours of nursing care for someone living with a terminal illness, in the comfort of their own home.

“Christmas can be a challenging time for many, and we know many homes are affected by the cost of living.

"We appreciate every donation, of any size.

"For families experiencing dying, death, or bereavement, Christmas can often feel overwhelming, so we want to make sure our Hospice Care at Home and free Information and Support services are there to spread care, comfort, and joy for even more people in Dorset this Christmas."

To find out more about how you can collect for Marie Curie this Christmas visit mariecurie.org.uk/collect.