MARCH is the month when keen fundraisers and generous givers spring into action - all for a bloomin' marvellous cause!

Marie Curie Cancer Care has launched its 2006 Great Daffodil Appeal - and who better to support the charity with the famous yellow flower logo than celebrity gardener - and ' 80s pop star - Kim Wilde.

Kim is urging members of the public to make a donation and wear one of the charity's daffodil pins to help raise £4 million for the thousands of Marie Curie Nurses nationwide who provide free home nursing care for terminally ill cancer patients and their families.

"Daffodils are my favourite spring flower as they bring a splash of cheer and colour to the garden during the dark, gloomy days of early spring.

This makes them the perfect symbol for the important work that Marie Curie Cancer Care does," says Kim.

"By wearing a daffodil pin badge you can help Marie Curie Nurses reach even more of the 150,000 people in the UK terminally ill with cancer - giving them the choice of being professionally cared for at home, surrounded by the things they hold most dear.

"Thanks to Yellow Pages, which has covered the cost of the Appeal's promotional materials, funds raised can go straight to the people people that need it.

"You can get your daffodil pin throughout March from thousands of local stores, schools and Marie Curie shops nationwide."

Other ways to help include helping with collections in your local area or arranging your own fundraising event.

Taking the daffodil theme as your inspiration, you could organise a yellow-themed coffee morning with colourful iced fairy cakes or a sponsored walk so you can enjoy springtime flowers in all their glory.

Hundreds of volunteers have already pledged their support.

Meanwhile up and down the country 100,000 schoolchildren are taking part in a giant daffodil planting scheme called Mini Pots of Care which aims to bring a splash of springtime colour to the classroom - with a donation to Marie Curie Cancer Care for every bulb planted.

For more information about the Great Daffodil Appeal and how you can help locally phone the Daffodil Hotline on 0845 601 3107 (local rate) or visit the website www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

On this Examiner feature, some 20% of the proceeds from advertising are going straight to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

There's also a form below to enable you to make a donation if you so wish.

There's also the opportunity to volunteer and help the Marie Curie cause.

So remember the message of the 2006 appeal: Go Wilde and support the Great Daffodil Appeal.