The Northern Echo has had a long and proud association with the Butterwick Hospice.
After the death of Princess Diana in 1997, the paper successfully campaigned to raise funds in her memory to help complete a children's hospice at the Butterwick site in Stockton-on-Tees.
The relationship has blossomed ever since and I was immensely proud to become the first official ambassador for the hospice in 2011.
On Monday, it is the 90th birthday of hospice founder Mary Butterwick, a truly grand old lady whose name has become an inspiration across the region.
The hospice is preparing a birthday lunch for Mary and an appeal is being made for people to send her a card.
"We want to surround Mary with well wishes from people across the North-East," said hospice spokeswoman Jackie Firth.
So please help make Mary feel special on her special day. Cards can be sent to: Mary Butterwick, Butterwick Hospice, Middlefield Road, Stockton-on-Tees TS19 8XN.
Thank you.
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