Meet Herbert Crossley, the new face of a national cancer charity, whose smile is about to appear across the nation.

Retired stonemason Herbert, 76, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, has been chosen to front thousands of posters and leaflets in a national campaign to re-brand the Sue Ryder organisation, which has dropped the term foundation from its title to become Sue Ryder Care.

And Herbert, a day-care patient at Manorlands, the Sue Ryder palliative care home in Oxenhope, near Keighley, whose face will appear in the press, on posters in bus shelters and billboards all over the country, said he was delighted to join the campaign.

"I had no hesitation in getting involved when I was asked. I've received such kindness and affection from Manorlands staff that I wanted to give something back," said Herbert.

Three years ago, after suffering from MS for 33 years, he had his left leg amputated below the knee. He had his operation at Airedale General Hospital, Steeton, where his daughter, Christine Barker, works as a staff nurse, and was offered a bed at Manorlands to recover.

"I was very ill but Manorlands gave me my life back. The place means so much to me," said Herbert, who had never heard of the home before his operation.

"The staff are so dedicated. It's a sincerity and care I can't describe. You feel the embrace of the place as soon as you enter the gate.

"When I was here as a patient I used to lie in bed thinking how I could re-pay them. I'm so grateful I've been able to."

He attends the day-care centre every Tuesday and Thursday, giving his 75-year-old wife Doreen a rest from her caring role at their home in Colne.

Herbert is confined to a wheelchair, but it doesn't stop him enjoying his craft as a stonemason, a trade he followed all his life, which has been in his family since the 1700s. He has produced two plaques for Manorlands and one for Nidderdale Agricultural Society's 100 year celebrations.

"I've always treated MS as a nuisance not an illness. I've lived more years with it than without it," said Herbert, who has progressive MS, but still manages to drive to Manorlands in his hand-controlled car.

Manorlands matron Ann Chamber-lain said the campaign was designed to give a more modern look to the organisation, which needed to attract public support and finance.

"Our aim is to improve the quality of life for people with life-threatening illness - to encourage them and support them to live their lives to the full," she said.

Sue Ryder has 20 care centres across the country and 500 shops and it is hoped the campaign will lead to an expansion of the work both at home and abroad.

Health Secretary Alan Milburn said: "The new brand will bring the work of the charity to a much wider audience and more people will benefit."

l Manorlands has 18 beds for in-patients as well as the day-care facilities and caters for people from Airedale, Craven and Bradford. It needs to raise £750,000 a year towards the £1 million running costs and relies on fundraising and voluntary donations.