CARING county residents are being urged to volunteer their time to help a charity raise cash for terminally ill cancer sufferers.

Marie Curie Cancer Care is seeking people who would be willing to give up their spare time this February and March to help with the charity's annual Great Daffodil Appeal.

Sian Millard, county spokeswoman for the charity, said: "By donating just two hours of your time helping with street collections in the Worcestershire area, you could fund two days of home care nursing for a terminally ill cancer patient.

"The charity is holding collections all over Worcestershire, with the aim of raising as much money as possible to continue providing their vital services within the community.

"Every night, Marie Curie nurses care for cancer patients in their own homes, enabling people to spend their last days in familiar surroundings, with their families, friends and pets."

She said there are many ways kind-hearted volunteers could support the Great Daffodil Appeal.

"Whether they're collecting in the street, distributing daffodil boxes or helping in other vital roles, volunteers make it possible for Marie Curie nurses to carry on caring," she added.

"Last year the charity nursed 15,000 people with cancer in their own homes, but unfortunately there is an ever increasing demand for their services and, in 2005, we want to care for even more people.

One county regular volunteer, who wished to be named only as Sue, became involved with the Daffodil Appeal after her mother was cared for by a Marie Curie nurse.

She said: "I started collecting locally with a two-hour stint. I was amazed at how encouraging people were when they made a donation.

Six years on, Sue now manages a team of 10 volunteers and enjoys watching their collection total grow every year.

If you would like to find out more about the services provided by Marie Curie Cancer Care, or you are interested in helping the charity, contact Sian Millard on 01905 427531, or e-mail sian.millard@marie curie.org.uk