AN 80-year-old widow has raised £10,000 for the hospice which cared for her husband during his final days.

Beryl Burnhope, from Consett in County Durham, started raising money for the Willow Burn Hospice three years ago, after her husband Bob stayed there during the final weeks of his life.

She said: “I cannot put it into words, what it meant; the care they gave Bob, it was wonderful.”

With a little help from her friends, she has now raised £10,000 through making crafts and knitting for raffles, tombolas and fairs.

The hospice in Lanchester is currently building a new six-bed unit, which Mrs Burnhope was given a tour of to say thank you for her efforts.

She added: “It’s great to see all the fabulous work being done and to know in some way I’ve been a part of it.

“After Bob passed away my crafts and knitting kept me busy and I became more and more motivated to raise as much money as I could for Willow Burn.”

Community Fundraiser Siobhan Marsh said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be able to show Beryl round the new build and to be able to thank her in person for all she has done.

“Fundraising isn’t easy but at the tender age of 80, Beryl has demonstrated sometimes small actions can bring big results.”

“Willow Burn Hospice treasures the lives of those with life limiting illnesses and their families. We are here because our community need us; we are here for people like Beryl and Bob and we hope to be here for a very long time. However it is people like Beryl and her friends who help us, as she puts it, ‘keep the lights on’ and without them Willow Burn could not exist.

“We are extremely grateful to Beryl and all those like her who help us keep up our vital work”