The idea is to get everyone across the UK to give donations for daffodil badges and wear them with pride. Organisers are hoping this year – being the charity's "diamond jubilee" – will be the best year ever.

Cheryl Barrett, Scarborough's community fundraising manager, said: "It's going absolutely wonderfully so far. People are always amazing in their support and offer to help us in many different ways."

One example is Di Cook, 79, of Crossgates, who is a retired Marie Curie nurse who now volunteers every week for the charity – and has done for the last 18 years.

Mrs Cook is doing a sponsored silence today at the charity's offices in Belle Vue Street and is hoping to raise hundreds of pounds by keeping quiet.

Mrs Barrett said: "All the funds raised help us to provide care for cancer patients which allows them to remain at home at the end of their lives. Di has already received pledges of £180 which equates to a whole shift of Marie Curie nursing care."

Research commissioned by Marie Curie Cancer Care shows that 64 per cent of people would choose to die at home – but in reality only 25 per cent achieve this.

Every year, Marie Curie nurses make that wish possible for thousands of cancer patients in cities, towns and villages across the UK.

The charity's nurses now care for around 50 per cent of all cancer patients who die at home. They work through the night or during the day to provide care for patients in comfortable and familiar surroundings.

Marie Curie nursing is always free of charge to patients and carers, so by taking part whatever way you can in the Great Daffodil Appeal, you'll help nurses to continue improving the lives of terminally ill people and their families.

Daffodil brooches are on sale now in various supermarkets around Scarborough, including Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsburys.