AN OXENHOPE woman who is facing her first Mother's Day without her mum is backing a special Manorlands appeal.

The Sue Ryder hospice has issued a plea for funds in the countdown to Mothering Sunday, on March 6.

Among those supporting the initiative is Val Bevan.

She paid tribute to Manorlands for the care it provided for her mum, Margaret Webb, who died at the hospice last June.

"After 30 years her breast cancer had returned and unfortunately spread to her bones – she was unwilling to leave her house for months as it hurt to stand or move," said Ms Bevan.

"On admission to Manorlands and lying down in her bed you could see an almost instant change - she looked peaceful and relaxed, not scared or fraught.

"The staff set about treating the nausea and general pain to such an extent that the next day, mum was able to eat her first proper meal in weeks. That alone meant so much and to see her enjoy it was such a pleasure."

Ms Bevan said despite her mother's condition deteriorating, she did not lose her state of peace and relaxation.

"We knew it wouldn't be long until she passed away but the knowledge that every day was lived in comfort and serenity meant the world to us," Ms Bevan added.

"I wish she had gone into Manorlands sooner."

Ms Bevan said staff also took into account the fact she herself was confined to a wheelchair.

"The nurses moved mum to a bigger room to make it easier for me to get closer to her and to hold her hand," she said.

"That meant so much to me. Now I could spend hours by her bedside.

"I have always shared a special bond with my mum, like most mothers and daughters do.

"It had been so difficult in the months before her death as I had gone from seeing her nearly every week to not at all, as I couldn't get into her house with my wheelchair. It was heartbreaking for both of us.

"Manorlands made it possible for me to see my mum again. Had she not gone there, I'm confident in saying I would have never seen her again as she would have died at home.

"The fact that in her final two weeks I could hold her hand and talk to her meant more than most will realise.

"The staff at the hospice give more than just care – they provide care with compassion and love, making sure everyone involved has the best experience they can at such a difficult time."

All services provided by Manorlands are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £8,000 a day to run and only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funds.

Online donations to the appeal can be given at sueryder.org/manorlands/mothers.

Alternatively, cheques can be sent to the hospice at Hebden Road, Oxenhope BD22 9HJ, or contact the fundraising team on 01535 640430.