Thousands Of Tea Lights Shaped Into A Daffodil Mark Charity's Big Annual Fundraiser

Will Noble
By Will Noble Last edited 27 months ago

Last Updated 28 February 2022

Thousands Of Tea Lights Shaped Into A Daffodil Mark Charity's Big Annual Fundraiser
Nurse Beth Namara stands among 4,129 LED tea lights in Greenwich, which form the daffodil symbol of the Marie Curie charity.

4,129 LED tea lights formed into the shape of a daffodil were lit to mark Marie Curie's annual Great Daffodil Appeal.

The number of lights represented the number of people looked after in the hospices and homes each month by the charity, which supports those affected by terminal illness.

Beth Namara kneels in front of the LED lights with the O2 in the background

The lights went on display in Greenwich, backdropped by an illuminated O2 dome. Marie Curie Healthcare Assistant Beth Namara was at the unveiling of the artwork, and said: "You will always see Marie Curie Nurses smiling. I myself am always calm, smiling, and approachable — ready to help the patients, their family and friends, and other healthcare professionals working in partnership with me."  

an overhead of the lights, with Beth Namara cappuing a single tea light

Held each March, The Great Daffodil Appeal is the charity's biggest fundraising campaign. Donating towards it, says Marie Curie, enables it to continue providing essential frontline nursing and hospice care for people with any terminal illness, as well as support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement.

Beth holds an LED tea light, with the thousands of others behind her

Daffodils are used by Marie Curie as a positive, life-affirming symbol of spring — suggesting new beginnings and rebirth. "Daffodils are strong, resilient flowers that pop up year after year. Some people choose to plant daffodils in memory of their loved ones. This can bring reassurance and comfort," says the charity.

a dog strains at its lead to see the display

Note: the tea lights are no longer there, so don't travel to Greenwich in search of them. Instead, enjoy the images here, and consider making a donation to the Great Daffodil Appeal.

All images © Marie Curie