CHARITY Marie Curie raised more than £5,000 in the borough during a month-long appeal for donations.

During the four-week Great Daffodil Appeal, which was launched on March 1, volunteer collectors were out in force in Basingstoke and beyond, encouraging people to make donations and wear the charity’s daffodil pin in support of those with terminal illnesses.

In Festival Place and The Malls the charity was able to raise £2,141.97, while a collection in Morrisons, Basingstoke, raised £1,549.71.

Shoppers visiting Chineham Shopping Centre raised £910.87, while £450.93 and £80 was raised in Overton and Whitchurch respectively.

Community fundraiser Sally Sansom said: “We would like to say a huge than you to everyone who has supported Marie Curie and helped to make this year’s Great Daffodil Appeal such a big success.

“The appeal simply wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful volunteer collectors.

“The funds raised will make a very significant difference, helping Marie Curie nurses provide more care to people with terminal illnesses and their families at the time when they most need support.”

In total, the charity raised a grand total of £5,133.48 which will fund another 256 hours of nursing care.

Marie Curie, which supports people with terminal illnesses, has been running the Great Daffodil Appeal annually since 1986, and the appeal has so far raised more than £70million nationwide.