End of life lessons revealed by Marie Curie and Superdrug to urge support for nurses

The words of wisdom were revealed by TV and radio presenter Kemi Rodgers to urge the nation to support Superdrug’s ‘Purchase for Marie Curie Nurses’ campaign, where proceeds from a range of select products will be donated to the UK’s leading end of life charity to fund vital care.

Kemi was joined by Ashleigh Wood, a Marie Curie Registered Nurse, as they held placards emblazoned with the lessons painted in makeup.

The advice includes how beauty and self-care rituals can help people feel like themselves right up until their final days, with patients stressing the importance of not shying away from bold makeup or a signature perfume. Other pearls of wisdom include to not let work take over – with most nurses and healthcare assistants saying patients most often regret the family moments they missed due to work – to not sweat the small stuff, and to let go of grudges before it's too late.

Many also reflect on a lifetime spent worrying about money, urging loved ones instead to spend it on making happy memories while they still can.

While some speak about far-flung bucket list ambitions, others share words of wisdom encouraging loved ones to live fearlessly in the present – whether that is not worrying what others think, or wearing a favourite bold lipstick with confidence. A Marie Curie Healthcare Assistant commented: “I had one patient who insisted on wearing her bright red lipstick every day up to her last day, so she felt like 'herself’.”

Many patients share simple but striking advice, including reminders to stay true to oneself and not to delay happiness for ‘one day’. All of the healthcare professionals highlight that keeping up small comforts can make a big difference – from maintaining a favourite skincare routine and having painted nails, to doing their hair so they feel more like themselves. One commented that having a favourite perfume you wear often can bring comfort, help take away certain medical smells, and can bring back happy memories.

This wisdom comes following Marie Curie’s recent findings that almost one in three people in the UK don’t get the essential end of life care they need.

Terminally ill patients’ top 10 life lessons, as revealed to Marie Curie nursing teams:

Never go to sleep on an angry word

Don’t let worrying rob you of the time you have

Time with loved ones is everything

Don’t wait for ‘one day’ – live in the moment

Don’t be afraid to go bold if it makes you feel yourself – wear the red lipstick or your favourite perfume

Let go of grudges and forgive more quickly

Cherish memories with loved ones

Keep your hands soft for loved ones to hold

Don’t work so hard that you miss out on life

Don't save all your money for a rainy day – use it to make happy memories

RN Ashleigh Wood said: "Spending time with people in their final days gives you a very clear sense of what really matters. We often hear patients talk about wanting to forgive more quickly, to say the things they feel and not leave words unsaid. We also hear reminders to take pride in who you are and not lose the things that make you feel like yourself.

“For many, that includes small acts of self-care – brushing their hair, choosing their favourite outfit, putting on perfume or a much-loved bold lipstick. Those rituals aren’t about vanity; they’re about identity, dignity and doing things that make them feel good – right up until the final days. Feeling clean, comfortable and confident can make an enormous difference, even in the most difficult times. It’s often those quiet moments that stay with us long after a patient has gone.”

TV and radio presenter Kemi Rodgers said: “Having previously worked in healthcare, I know that one of the most striking parts is hearing the quiet wisdom people share with those around them in life’s most important moments.

“Marie Curie Nurses witness moments like this every day through their invaluable work caring for people at the end of life, so I was keen to meet them and find out more about what they do. I’m determined that everyone should understand how important it is that we continue to support and fund their work – simply through supporting Marie Curie and Superdrug’s Purchase for Nurses campaign.”

Megan Potter, Trading Director at Superdrug said: “It’s very easy to get involved in our Purchase for Marie Curie Nurses campaign. Just head instore or online and pick up one of hundreds of products – brands include Maybelline, Novomins, Working Hands, Vitabiotics and so many more – and you’ll be helping to raise vital funds for the nurses doing invaluable work for patients at the end of their lives.”

The Purchase for Marie Curie Nurses fundraising campaign is the latest in Marie Curie and Superdrug’s long-standing partnership, which recently hit the fundraising milestone of £16 million raised since 2013. It runs from Wednesday 22nd April to Tuesday 19th May, with proceeds from select Superdrug products helping fund Marie Curie’s expert end of life care. It aims to raise £200,000 to fund over 8,500 hours of invaluable work.

Brands featuring in the campaign include Rimmel, Revolution, Maybelline and Radox3 among others. Head down to Superdrug or shop online this month to pick up a product and support Marie Curie. For more information visit www.superdrug.com/mariecurie.