A barmaid's brave battle against cancer has helped inspire her pub's latest charity donations.

Staff and customers from The Branch in Shipley are to give £2,500 to Bradford Royal Infirmary's Ward 15 where Barbara Baldwin underwent treatment including chemotherapy last year.

Meanwhile, a guide dog - bought with money raised by The Branch - is to be called Babs after the 55-year-old.

The Bradford Road pub's charity fund was launched in 1996 and a host of regular events has so far generated £16,220.

Pub manager Chris Pope said the donation to BRI, which will help boost the Ward 15 amenities fund, had been suggested by Mrs Baldwin, who was diagnosed with lung cancer and cancer of her facial nerves last summer.

He said: "She's faced her serious illness with so much bravery, determination and good humour and her spirit has proved an inspiration to all her many friends, relatives and customers who visit The Branch."

Mrs Baldwin, who has worked at The Branch since 1985, making her its longest-serving employee, said: "I was on Ward 15 for over three weeks having chemotherapy and a blood tranfusion when my blood count went down.

"Everyone there was brilliant, absolutely first rate, and I just wanted to help give something back so asked Chris if we could make a donation."

A special prestentation on Sunday, February 20 will see Mrs Baldwin recieve a framed photo of Babs and certificate from a Guide Dogs for the Blind official with a cheque for £2,500 simultaneously handed over to a BRI representative.

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