Marie Curie has launched an emergency appeal after it suffered a loss of income from hundreds of cancelled fundraising events and the closure of its charity shops.

Despite the loss in earnings for the charity, Marie Curie nurses are continuing to work on the front line, caring for terminally ill people in their homes.

Last year Marie Curie provided care and support to over 1,600 people in Dorset, allowing them to die at home where they wanted to be.

The charity said that now more than ever, end of life patients who do not want to be in hospital need to be moved to a more appropriate setting, as beds in critical care units are urgently required for patients who need lifesaving treatment for coronavirus.

Steph Sterndale-Bennett, Marie Curie community fundraiser in Dorset, said: “At a time when our services are needed most, we’re facing a fundraising crisis. Hundreds of our Great Daffodil Appeal collections were cancelled, our charity shops have closed, and local fundraising events have stopped.

"We are lucky to have many loyal and long-standing supporters in Dorset, and it is now that we need your support more than ever. Please consider donating to our appeal today.”

Marie Curie is working closely with the NHS on plans to support hospitals and NHS staff and believe it is crucial that they can continue to be there to give dying people the care and support that they need.

Marie Curie is the UK's leading charity for people with any terminal illness.

The charity helps people living with a terminal illness and their families make the most of the time they have together by delivering hands-on care, emotional support and guidance.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the charity has also increased the opening hours of its Support Line to seven days a week and is gearing up to care for hundreds of additional patients requiring end of life care, in order to relieve the unprecedented pressure on the NHS.