A WOMAN has started helping a hospice in memory of a lost loved one.

Shirley Arundale’s sister-in-law, Margaret Crossey, of Stanley, died in June 2010, aged 70.

Now Mrs Arundale, of Langley Park, has begun working as a volunteer at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham, helping with administration and finance.

She said: “Although she (Mrs Crossey) didn’t come to St Cuthbert’s, I did begin thinking of the incredible work hospices do.

“I worked in admin and finance in the prison service for 30 years and I thought I could be of some help.”

Fiona Vallis, the hospice’s deputy chief executive, said: “We’re tremendously grateful to Shirley for joining our incredible band of volunteers.

“Without their dedication and commitment, we could not provide our wide range of services.”

The Merryoaks hospice provides free day and overnight care for people with life-limiting illnesses. It has 360 volunteers.

For more information, call 0191-386-1170 or visit stcuthbertshospice.com