Emer marks end-of-life charity milestone with poignant song

AWARD-winning Strabane comedian, Emer Maguire, delivered a stand-up show with a difference last week, as she performed her signature musical comedy routine for patients and staff at the Marie Curie hospice in Belfast.

As part of her set, the comic debuted an original song written specially for the end of life charity which this year is celebrating 40 years of its biggest annual fundraising campaign, the Great Daffodil Appeal.

The Great Daffodil Appeal helps to raise much needed funds so that Marie Curie Nurses and Healthcare Assistants can provide expert end of life care and support whatever the illness, in the comfort of people’s own homes across NI, at its hospice in Belfast, and through its free Support Line (0800 090 2309).

Emer’s poignant song titled ‘In Every Room’, reflects the lives of patients and families who have been cared for by Marie Curie healthcare professionals while paying tribute to the dedicated staff ,“who are there while we cry, while we love, while we laugh”.

Speaking following her performance, Emer said: “The song is a light-hearted and uplifting tribute to the extraordinary care Marie Curie nurses and healthcare assistants provide every day, reminding us that even at the most difficult times in life, compassion can bring comfort, dignity and moments of laughter.”

She continued: “Comedy helps to release stress and anxiety, promote relaxation and improve our mood.

"It’s phenomenal for our mental health, so it’s been an absolute pleasure to share some fun and laughs with everyone at the hospice today, particularly those who have been going through a difficult time of late.”

Now based in Belfast, the Strabane-born comedian shot to fame following a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019 and has since become a regular guest on the BBC NI comedy panel show, The Blame Game.

Her creative comedy style blends relatable storytelling with catchy and creative songwriting, and frequently focuses on the subject of health and well-being.

“Before I was a comedian, I was a Speech and Language Therapist working in palliative and end of life care for people with swallowing difficulties,” explained Emer, “so I really understand, appreciate and admire the work Marie Cure does.

"I’m delighted to be part of such an important and worthwhile celebration for the Great Daffodil Appeal’s big 40th anniversary year.”

Marie Curie cares for people with any illness they are likely to die from including Alzheimer’s (and other forms of dementia), heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, and advanced cancer.

Ciara Gallagher, head of Fundraising at Marie Curie NI, said: “Emer’s song is a wonderful way to celebrate 40 years of our Great Daffodil Appeal - and her performance at the hospice has brought so much joy to patients, their families and staff.

"We hope it will help to raise awareness of what Marie Curie does across NI and inspire more people than ever before to support the charity this month.

“You can ‘Go Yellow’ for Marie Curie and choose your own way to get involved, whether it’s hosting a fundraiser such as yellow bake sale, wearing yellow at work or school, or rallying your local community to organise a daffodil collection.

"Together, we can make this the biggest, brightest Great Daffodil Appeal and continue to provide the vital care that so many people need at the end of life.”