FUNDS from a bereavement care service in Bradford which had to be wound up last year have been given to the city’s Marie Curie Hospice.

The charity will use the cash towards the bereavement work it provides, following the decision to hand over £10,130 from the former Horton and Wibsey Bereavement Care Association, which folded last June.

It had provided a team of 16 volunteers to help run the group, with services that included a 24-hour telephone line, a weekly support group and home visits for the recently bereaved.

But the service was without continuous funding and closed as a result.

The cheque was presented by Val Carter, Ann Hodgson and Cath Hodgson.

Elaine Hill, manager at the Marie Cure Hospice, said: “We really appreciate this generous donation which will go towards the bereavement work of the hospice.

“Marie Curie is about to launch the new strategy meeting the needs of more people and bereavement is high on our agenda. It is hoped through the next three years to grow our bereavement support and this donation will certainly help.”

Keith Nichols, chaplain at the Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford, said “It is a great encouragement to receive additional resources for bereavement support as we seek to maintain and develop our ongoing care of those whose loved one has died within the hospice.”

Community fundraiser Jen Aspinall said: “I was delighted to meet Val, Ann and Cath and to know that everyone voted to donate the money to the Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford, to continue vital support in the community.

“It was a pleasure to show them around the hospice and for them to meet the team here to see how their extremely generous donation will be used to continue to support local people.”

For more about fundraising for Marie Curie, or the Family Support Services available, call Jen Aspinall on 01274 337034 or email jennifer.aspinall@mariecurie.org.uk.