THE Bolton Evening News has joined forces with the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity to create a lasting natural memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales.

Thousands of daffodil bulbs will "light up" Moss Bank Park in a Field of Hope to raise money for the Marie Curie charity.

The aim is to create a sea of stunning yellow each spring in memory Diana and to remind everyone of the vital work the charity does.

Bolton schools, companies and individuals have already started donating money to sponsor the planting of the daffodil bulbs.

The Field of Hope will be in the name of not only the Princess, but those Marie Curie Nurses who give respite to individuals and families who have the difficult task of caring for a loved one who is seriously ill.

The Marie Curie Nurses celebrate 50 years of cancer care in 1998.

The 'sponsored daffodils' will be planted by Bolton Leisure Services staff together with as many willing helpers as possible in the coming weeks. A special planting ceremony takes place at the end of October.

A plaque bearing the names of everyone who has donated to the appeal will be placed within the field. And Marie Curie officials say it will also bear the name of Diana, Princess of Wales, "whose caring endeavours brought hope to millions of people around the world."

Daffodils will be planted at £1 each and money raised will be used to increase the number of Marie Curing Nursing hours in Bolton, helping more families who need extra support to care for a relative with cancer.

Anyone wanting to donate money can do so through the Bolton Evening News, with cheques made payable to Marie Curie Cancer Care. All you need to do is fill in this coupon and send it with your donation or call personally at the BEN front counter.

Anyone who would like to help plant the bulbs should contact Alan Dallas at Bolton Leisure Services on 01204 522311.

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