A TERMINAL illness charity fears that the extreme weather could hamper fundraising efforts across Berkshire ahead of a huge appeal.

Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal is set to run throughout March, with hundreds of volunteers collecting vital funds in exchange for daffodil pins.

Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures could put more than 1,000 collections at risk across the country, which could see the charity lose out on as much as £400,000 in donations.

Jacquelyn Lucas, Great Daffodil Appeal manager for Marie Curie said: “We are really excited to be kicking off this year’s appeal but the extreme weather is certainly proving a challenge.

"We are worried that it will have a significant impact on our fundraising, so we want people to know that they can also donate online and via text. The money raised is vitally important to ensuring that as many people as possible can receive our nursing care.

“We hope that as many collections are able go ahead as possible but I know that our amazing volunteer collectors always go the extra mile for us, so I would also ask that they keep themselves safe and warm if there are extreme conditions where they are.”

In light of the extreme weather, the charity is highlighting the many ways to get involved in the appeal, which includes donating online and making a donation via text-to-donate (Text DAFF to 70111 to donate £5*).

They are also reminding people to pick up their daffodil later in the month once the weather improves.