Charity estimates £25,000 lost in donations because of snow disruption

A charity which cares for people with terminal illnesses estimates it has lost £25,000 worth of fundraising due to extreme weather. Marie Curie launched its Great Daffodil Appeal on Thursday, which usually sees thousands of people across Scotland taking in donations.

However, heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures have forced the cancellation of 58 collections - believed to have been worth about £25,000.

Paul Thompson, head of community fundraising for Scotland, said: "We're really excited to be kicking off this year's appeal but the extreme weather is certainly proving a challenge. Our hospice and nursing staff are going to great lengths to keep care and support going for terminally-ill people but we are worried that we need to keep donations coming in too.

"We want people to know that they can also donate online and via text. The money raised is vitally important to ensuring that as many people as possible can receive our nursing care.

"I know that our amazing volunteer collectors always go the extra mile for us, so I would also ask that they keep themselves safe and warm if there are extreme conditions where they are.''

The charity is aiming to raise £500,000 in Scotland from this year's appeal and hope to be back on track with collections as the weather improves. Money raised will enable Marie Curie nurses to help care for more people living with a terminal illness.

Donations can be made online or give £5 by texting DAFF to 70111