THE woman behind the North-East's first hospice has been rewarded for her unstinting work with the terminally ill.

Mary Butterwick, who is awarded an OBE, sold her home to help found the Butterwick Hospice, in Stockton, in 1984.

Prompted to ease the suffering of others by the painful death of her husband, John, from cancer, she has seen her initial vision grow from humble beginnings to a major charity that cares for more than 600 people every year.

Now 79, Mrs Butterwick has overseen a purpose-built hospice built next to North Tees Hospital, Stockton, a children's hospice at the same site and another hospice in Bishop Aukland.

She said yesterday: "This puts the icing on the cake. I never went into this for praise or awards, but they are welcome of course.

"It would not have been possible without my family though, who have been tremendous throughout - particularly during the difficult early years.

"I've had to make a lot of sacrifices and I guess a lot of people don't understand that. But I had a vision of what I had to do after my husband's death, and I hope I have carried it out.

"It's also incredibly demanding on everyone who works here and I would like to thank them. But, in a way, it is a gift to be able to look after people like this."

After her husband's death in 1979, Mrs Butterwick wanted to give patients and their families the care, advice and counselling that was unavailable to her.

In 1990 she sold her house to fund a day-care centre in Hartburn Lane, Stockton.

Mrs Butterwick has since been awarded the freedom of Stockton and an honorary science degree from the University of Teesside, where she received a standing ovation from staff and students.