A COMPANY has paid a glowing fundraising tribute to Manorlands hospice in memory of an employee's husband who was cared for there.

Keighley dad-of-two James French spent the final few weeks of his life at the Oxenhope Sue Ryder centre.

He died, aged 36, after a short but hard-fought battle against pancreatic cancer.

Now, a year of fundraising staged following Mr French's death in November, 2015, has culminated in Mitchell Farrar Group handing over a cheque for £4,250.

Activities included a series of dress-down days and bake-offs and employees took part in the Manorlands Keighley BigK 10k run and walk and the Starlight Hike.

"I'm delighted that we managed to raise such a large total for Manorlands and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this fantastic total in James's memory," said his widow, Hannah.

She said the care and support provided by the hospice to James and the family – they have daughters Abbie, seven, and baby Ruby – was incredible.

"Abbie called Manorlands 'daddy's posh hospital' because of the friendly atmosphere and how unlike a hospital it is," she added.

Manorlands-based Sue Ryder fundraiser, Andrew Wood, was presented with the cheque at the debt management group's headquarters in Riparian Way, Cross Hills.

He thanked all the staff for their fundraising efforts.

"We have always had great support from the Mitchell Farrar Group but its efforts this past year have been incredible," he said.

"The amount raised will make such a difference to local families such as Hannah's who find themselves in need of our vital care."

The collection at Mr French's funeral, which totalled £700, also went to the hospice.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

Only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funds.

Most of the funds have to be raised through voluntary donations.

For details of how to support Manorlands, contact its fundraising office on 01535 640430.

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