THE family of a man who died from cancer did a sponsored walk from his home to the hospice that cared for him.

Paul Crathorne spent his final days at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham City, last June and likened it to staying in a five-star hotel.

This month his wife Karen completed the six-mile trek from his Ferryhill home to the hospice, in Merryoaks, alongside his sister-in-law Ferryhill Town Mayor Pauline Crathorne, son James, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Salmons, sister-in-law Tracey Woods and niece Gemma Wanless.

On arrival they were met by friends and relatives, including Paul’s eldest son Adam and sister, Marlene Fox.

Mrs Crathorne said: “It meant a lot to us to be able to do this walk together as a family in Paul’s memory.

"I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored us.”

Mr Crathorne, a former soldier turned lorry and minibus driver, was first diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2013 but after treatment he was given the all clear.

Sadly the cancer returned and he passed away at the hospice on June 19, aged 63.

She said: “The hospice is a fantastic place, a real home from home.

"Nothing was ever too much trouble for the nurses, they were so kind and thoughtful.

"Paul said it was like staying in a five-star hotel.”

Jade McArdle, community and events fundraiser at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, thanked the family for fundraising for the hospice which needs £1.3m a year to care for people affected by life-limiting conditions and bereavement in County Durham.