TWO longstanding volunteers who have helped out at a hospice since it opened are to step down.

Joe Watson and Dr Peter Quigley have both been volunteers at Willow Burn Hospice since it opened its doors at Maiden Law, near Lanchester, in 1989.

The hospice is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, having helped thousands of people facing life-limiting illnesses since it opened.

Until recently Mr Watson was a voluntary driver, ferrying day patients to and from the hospice.

The 88-year-old, from Stanley, was a founder member of the committee which raised £500,000 to establish Willow Burn during the mid 1980s, and he has spent countless hours rattling tins in supermarkets as well as doing a raft of jobs in and around the hospice, such as gardening and building.

Retired GP, Dr Peter Quigley, from Hamsterley Mill, is stepping down after more than 30 years on the committee.

He said: "A hospice in Derwentside was a pipe dream which became a reality. Before Willow Burn was established terminally ill patients had to go to what were called the Nightingale wards in hospitals.

"This was unsatisfactory, they would be in beds next to patients who were there for treatment and who may be leaving the next day.

"But the local community has been raising money for 30 years now through coffee mornings, selling raffle tickets, community fairs, rattling tins in supermarkets.

"Willow Burn has gone from strength-to-strength and it is due to the efforts and dedication of local people”.