THERAPY rooms at a hospice have been given a five-star makeover.

New furnishings and a sophisticated sound and light system were unveiled today (Thursday, July 30) at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham.

The refurbishment was paid for with £4,860 donated by Cllr Nigel Martin, from his neighbourhood budget, which means the hospice can now offer upgraded therapy and improved day care facilities for local people with life limiting illnesses.

The hospice says users of its day care hospice can now use a wide range of therapies on a private and one-to-one basis.

George Bell, Deputy Chief Executive of the hospice, said: “We are very grateful to Cllr Martin for his decision to give money from his Neighbourhood Budget to help us further improve what we offer to local people.

“Our new therapy room looks like it could be in a five-star hotel.

“It now has a really warm and calming ambience for patients and therapists. This is very important. Our day room has also had some refurbishment.”

Cllr Martin said: “St Cuthbert’s Hospice is well respected in the local community and when I heard of the need for this investment, I was happy to use some of the monies which are set aside for every councillor to use at their discretion within their council area.

“The hospice is seen as a really valuable resource and I believe this will have long term benefit.”