Living in a rural part of the country, support from Marie Curie was vital to Jane when both her mum and dad were living with a terminal illness.

And now she says her support for the charity is also vital in helping them raise funds to continue their work across the UK as the country’s leading terminal illness charity.

Jane Nash, whose parents Nesta and John were both cared for at home by Marie Curie, has joined the charity’s Welshpool Fundraising Group – and is urging others to sign up to help this Volunteers’ Week.

You could start by joining in with the charity’s annual Blooming Great Tea Party fundraising campaign, by sharing tea and cake with family and friends or join a group like Jane.

For Jane’s family, fundraising support meant Marie Curie Nurse Barbara Norbury was there to help her care for both her mum and dad in their home in Berriew.

Jane, who lives in Guilsfield, near Welshpool, said: “My parents, Nesta and John, were married nearly 60 years and were never apart. They were still in the house we grew up in and they loved village life. They were regulars at church and part of the bowling club.

“And they adored their grandchildren. Family was everything to them and we’d all go on holiday to a cottage somewhere every year.

“When Mum became ill I knew in my heart that she wouldn’t want to go into hospital.

“I used to be a nurse myself so I was confident I could manage things at home. But until you’re in that moment yourself, you don’t realise just how much energy it takes. I soon realised I needed a bit of help.

“As soon as I met Barbara I felt l could trust her implicitly. She managed everything calmly and respectfully, and was clearly very experienced.

“That she got on so well with my sister Ruth also made a huge difference. Ruth has learning difficulties and Barbara was happy to help her understand what was going on.”

A month after her mum died, Jane’s dad became ill and deteriorated quickly.

“I think he inevitably missed Mum and just wanted to be with her,” added Jane.

“Thankfully, he got to meet his great-grandson and that meant the world to him.

“I got in touch with Marie Curie again and when Barbara walked through the door it was wonderful to see her.

“Ruth remembered her straightaway. It was understandably very stressful for Ruth and seeing a familiar face made it easier.

“Even though Barbara must have been caring for lots of families in the area, she made us feel like we were the only one. She became part of our family.”

“We’re a rural community and I know it gives families confidence that there are Marie Curie Nurses here.

“It would be difficult to travel the long distances to see family if they were in hospital, and impossible for anyone who is frail or can’t drive. The service is vital.”

And it’s because of the support she received that Jane decided she wanted to give something back to the charity. Encouragement from Barbara, who is also part of the Newtown Fundraising Group, also pushed her forward.

“I had been thinking about joining the Welshpool Fundraising Group for a while and once I reduced my hours at work felt I could commit to it,” added Jane.

“I wanted to give something back in return for the care and support I received when Mum and Dad were at the end stages of their lives, and listening to Barbara’s enthusiasm was infectious.”

Jane attended her first meeting in May, and committed to support the group’s forthcoming Garden Party at Vaynor Park in Berriew – her parents’ home village.

“It’s a little poignant for me and feels right to be my first fundraising effort,” she said.

“I would say to someone thinking of joining a Marie Curie group to go for it, it’s such a cause close to so many people’s hearts. You can do as much or as little as you can do.

I’ve enjoyed meeting some of the other members of the group and hearing about different fundraising activities and what amazing things people do. I am looking forward to getting stuck in.”

If you can support Marie Curie by giving some time to volunteer, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/volunteering

To sign up to host a Blooming Great Tea Party, head to www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty