VOLUNTEERS raising money for Bolton’s Marie Curie Nurses Appeal have film star Hugh Grant’s support.

For the actor is backing Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Great Daffodil Appeal this month, which is the charity’s biggest fundraiser.

All the money raised in Bolton will go to the local campaign, supported by The Bolton News, which aims to raise £200,000 in a year to fund more free home nursing care for local terminally ill people.

Hugh Grant has supported the charity as a fundraiser and ambassador since his mother died at home in 2001, cared for by Marie Curie nurses.

The 49-year-old, who has starred in films including Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill, has made a video to promote the Great Daffodil Appeal and is calling on people to make donations and wear daffodil badges.

The star said: “I know from my own experience that Marie Curie Nurses provide care to terminally ill patients, allowing them to die in their own homes, which is where most of us would like to be.

“Marie Curie can’t deliver this service without donations from the public and I urge everyone to dig in their pockets, make a donation and wear a daffodil with pride.

“Volunteer fundraisers will be out collecting throughout March and daffodil pins can also be bought at local stores, schools and Marie Curie shops.”

Collections started in Bolton over the weekend, with volunteers at Asda Middlebrook and on the streets of Bolton, including staff from The Bolton News.

Look out for more collection events at Sainsbury’s, in Trinity Street, and Morrisons, in Blackhorse Street, both in the town centre, this weekend.

Anyone wishing to volunteer as a collector should ring 0161 255 2809.