A LAW firm has handed over a cheque for £20,500 in memory of a former colleague.

Staff at Latimer Hinks Solicitors made the donation to the in-patient unit at St Teresa’s Hospice, which provides palliative and end-of-life care, in honour of Helen Thomas, who passed away in 2016.

As way of paying thanks to the fundraisers, one of the in-patient rooms at the hospice has recently been named ‘The Helen Jane Thomas Room supported by Latimer Hinks Solicitors'.

In addition to the £20,000 donation for the in-patient unit, the firm is contributing a further £500 to support the Rapid Response Service, which was an invaluable resource for Helen during her illness.

Anne Elliott, the chief executive at the law firm, said: “It means a lot to us to be supporting a charity which is so close to the hearts of our team and the local community. Helen was a highly-valued member of Latimer Hinks, and is greatly missed, so to have a room dedicated to Helen is an honour I know she would be proud of.”

Jane Bradshaw , Chief Executive of St Teresa’s Hospice, said: “We are extremely grateful to the team at Latimer Hinks for the enthusiastic support they have given to St Teresa’s Hospice over the years. The recent donations towards our in-patient unit and Rapid Response Service will make a real difference to the lives of so many people across South Durham and North Yorkshire.

“It was a privilege to work with Helen and to get to know her, and it’s such a fitting tribute to name a room in the in-patient unit in her memory. Helen’s colleagues have honoured her dedication to the charity by fundraising this last year, and they should all feel proud of what they have achieved.”