HOSPICE patients and their carers enjoyed afternoon tea in the luxurious surroundings of a five-star hotel.

More than 20 day patients from St Benedict’s Hospice, in Ryhope, took tea at Seaham Hall Hotel and Spa.

As part of Dying Matters Week, hospice staff worked with patients to discover what they wanted to put on their bucket lists and they were keen to treat their family and carers with afternoon tea.

Seaham Hall gave the hospice free room hire, a reduced price on their afternoon tea package and a few extra treats from the chef.

Day patient Sharon Hall said: “It’s been wonderful. The service has been fabulous and they’ve made everyone feel very special.”

“It felt like a pamper day,” added fellow patient Ann O’Halloran. “It’s something you would never do for yourself so it’s been lovely.”

Hotel manager James O’Donnell said: “The hospice is a place that is close to many people’s hearts.

“Cancer is unfortunately something that touches far too many people.”