Newborn goat named in honor of Marie Curie charity

By Elizabeth Hunter

A newborn pygmy goat has been named in honor of a charity after a public vote.

The goat was born two weeks ago at Pennywell Farm in Devon - and in a bid to support end of life charity Marie Curie, followers on Instagram were asked to name the kid.

In honor of the charity's annual Great Daffodil appeal, the four contenders were Marie, Daffy, Daffodil - and the overall winner, Daphne, which was revealed today at a ceremony.

The Great Daffodil Appeal encourages everyone to wear their daffodil pins and donate to the end-of-life charity through the month of March to help Marie Curie bring expert end of life care to more people.

Nurses and volunteers from Marie Curie attended the name reveal - and even got the chance to hold the goat, pictured in a field of daffodils to mark the occasion.

Marie Curie's Clinical Nurse Manager, Jenny Evans attended with her daughter Hope, who says she is keen to follow in her mum's footsteps.

Jenny said: “We’re so grateful to all volunteers who give their time to the Great Daffodil Appeal.

"Their support means we’re able to provide expert care to people who are going through some of the toughest times, and help a dying person to have the best possible end of life.

“Thank you to everyone who supports the Great Daffodil Appeal, which helps us continue to do the job we love.”

Marie Curie is calling for residents of Devon to donate a few hours of their time to distribute daffodil pins in exchange for a donation.

Collections are ongoing until the end of the month and into April in spots including Tavistock, Ivybridge and Torquay.

Mandy Fosbrooke, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Devon, said: “We believe everyone deserves the best possible end of life care.

"The Great Daffodil Appeal, now in its 39th year, is an easy and fun way to join in and give back to our local community here in Devon whilst also helping us continue to bring vital hospice care to more people.

“We’re delighted that Pennywell has supported us today with the naming of one of their newborns to help us spread the word.

“So why not be part of something amazing and volunteer to collect for the Great Daffodil Appeal this March?

"By giving up your time you’ll be helping Marie Curie continue to provide expert end of life care and support for people with any illness they are likely to die from.”