Public charity collections will not be possible in March under Covid-19 restrictions, but the Marie Curie charity is still going ahead with its popular daffodil fundraising appeal.

It says it is facing a £3m loss this year, but it still wants people to wear its bright yellow daffodil badges in March, and suggests other ways of raising money that include a wear yellow day or stepping up for Marie Curie by walking 10,000 steps every day throughout March.

Riona Houghton, community fundraiser for Wiltshire, said: “The Great Daffodil Appeal is vitally important to us. Having been held every March for over three decades, this is the first time we’ve had to cancel all of our public collections.

"This is a huge blow as each volunteer would usually raise an average £80 from a collection shift: enough to pay for the equivalent of four hours of nursing care.

“We need peoples’ support now more than ever. From simply making a donation and wearing a daffodil pin to hosting a virtual Wear Yellow Day.We’ve created a wide range of fundraising ideas in the hope that we have something to suit everyone.”

Visit mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil to see a range of ideas on how to raise money for the charity.