Cancer patients in Bradford will benefit from a £4million fundraising drive on the 20th anniversary of Marie Curie Cancer Care's Great Daffodil Appeal.

The charity is aiming to raise the money to help maintain its caring services for cancer patients at their hospices and its nursing service caring for cancer patients in their own homes.

The appeal is the charity's major fundraising campaign and this year features innovative new ideas to raise cash for its network of hospices, including the Marie Curie Hospice in Maudsley Street, Bradford.

Back to the Shop Floor will see chief executives and senior managers spending a day performing tasks such as helping in the canteen, cleaning the office or helping out on the phones.

In Bradford a Daffodil Walk is planned for Sunday, March 19, which will pass the Field of Hope in Myrtle Park, Bingley, an area of daffodils planted in 2004 by pupils of Myrtle Park School.

The sponsored walk is 10k long and will take in the St Ives Estate.

Tickets are also available for the Great Daffodil Appeal Ball which takes place on March 25 at The Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford.

The black tie event features a drinks reception, three course dinner, a live band and a disco. Tickets are £45 or tables of eight, 10 or 12 are available.

From next month and through March, lapel daffodils will be available in offices, pubs and clubs and there will be collections in supermarkets and in high streets.

Bradford's community fundraising manager Brenda Doyle said: "The Great Daffodil Appeal is the charity's major fundraising campaign and we need support to make it our most successful.

"So whether you want to come for a Sunday walk, go back to your first ever job in the company, dance the night away or give an hour of your time at a collection, we'd love to hear from you.

"Supporting any of our events or holding one of your own will make a difference to people's lives in Bradford. The Bradford Marie Curie Hospice in Maudsley Street provides many services.

"Marie Curie nurses allow people with cancer to remain, if they so wish, in the familiar surroundings of home.

"The nurses also provide invaluable support to carers. All these services are free of charge and we rely on the community we serve for support."

For information contact Brenda Doyle on (01274) 337035 or email: brenda.doyle@mariecurie.org.uk