A GENEROUS donation has transformed a disused hospice sitting area into valuable care space thanks to the kindness of a family touched by its work.

A cheque for £50,000 was used to fit two new bedrooms for patients with life-limiting illnesses at the Alice House Hospice, in Hartlepool, courtesy of the Musgrave family.

Chris Musgrave, chief executive of Wynyard park, alongside his mother Mary Musgrave, made the donation to the hospice in memory of his father, Joe Musgrave, who died in 2016.

Mr Musgrave officially opened the new patient rooms at the hospice to commemorate his father’s dedication to the organisation.

He said: “Dad was a long-term supporter of Alice House Hospice and a founder member of the Alice House Hospice guild of patrons.

“When he passed, my mum and I thought it would be fitting to commemorate his love and dedication to the hospice, through a memorial in his name.

“After a tour of the facility, mum and I were shown a large sitting area that sadly got very little use due to the fact that many patients are bed-bound and family and friends therefore visit them in their rooms."

Mrs Musgrave added: “Joe was a wonderful man who was so passionate about the work of the hospice, it is so lovely to see these rooms completed and ready for use. He would have been very proud.”

Hospice staff had planned on converting the space into new bedrooms, but was unable to cover the costs of the work needed until the donation was made.

Mr Musgrave said: "The hospice was close to him and my mum’s heart as they knew a lot of people who have been affected by its work. It’s really lovely to see the rooms finished and ready for use.

“Everybody in Hartlepool and the surrounding areas is touched by the work of the hospice, as everyone knows someone who has been supported by the care they provide."

Wynyard Park, an 886-acre property development, has held several fundraisers for the hospice in memory of Joe Musgrave and £50,000 was generated for the facility after a race day at Sedgefield Racecourse.

A Royal Ascot event at Rockliffe Hall, in Hurworth, near Darlington, will also be held on June 19 to raise more funds for Alice House Hospice and The Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation.

For more information, email lauren.pringle@wynyardpark.com or call 01740-667000.