YOURS nurse’s ad campaign for charity

A NURSE is fronting a campaign at Cardiff Central railway station asking commuters to help fund a Marie Curie nurse like her for the next two years.

Lauren James, who works at the Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale Hospice, is at the centre of the campaign asking people to “Join Team Lauren”.

Over eight weeks, commuters can see major advertising boards in the station replaced with pictures of Lauren – who recently shaved her long locks off to raise money for the charity.

Marie Curie and Exterion Media, who the charity has partnered with, are hoping that the campaign will provide an engaging experience for commuters and prompt them to find out more about the work that Marie Curie do.

And one patient Lauren has recently helped, Stephen Cox, of Rhiwbina, has spoken about how he feels about the care he has received at the hospice in Penarth.

“Lauren is always pleasant, polite and very caring – it is plain to see that,” said the 65-year-old, who this year became a grandfather. “She is the epitome of a highly professional Marie Curie palliative care nurse.

“The care I have had in the hospice has been fantastic. They will do anything for you.”

As well as being an inpatient, Steve – who is living with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema – has had hypnotherapy within the day therapy unit to help him sleep. Stephen is now receiving care and support at home, which also includes a volunteer from the Marie Curie helper service.

Lauren, who provides care to terminally ill people and their families, said: “Being up on a billboard is very surreal but I feel so proud to represent Marie Curie and our wonderful nurses,” she said. “When I was asked if I would like to be part of the campaign I thought it was a great platform to promote Marie Curie. I have seen first-hand how many people do not have access to terminal illness care and Marie Curie want to change that and I am passionate about being part of that change.”

Marie Curie will be at Cardiff Central providing commuters with information about the charity’s services and encouraging them to make a donation.

Marie Curie is looking to recruit 600 supporters to fund a nurse like Lauren for up to two years.