Hospice unit's first anniversary

The ten-bed wing, which cost £3.2m, allows the Durham City hospice to offer 24-hour care and was completed following a huge fundraising effort, which lasted more than a decade and was supported by The Northern Echo.

The unit was officially opened in May, by Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, who was given a tour of the facility.

More than 200 people have received care since the first patient was admitted on September 4 last year.

Angela Dinsdale, the hospice's chief executive, said: "Being able to celebrate the first birthday of the inpatient unit is a wonderful achievement for everyone involved with St Cuthbert's.

"We thank all our supporters who contributed to the costs of building this outstanding facility."

The inpatient wing allows carers to provide pain-reducing care to people with life-limiting conditions, intensive therapies, symptom control, planned respite care and support for families.

Ms Dinsdale said: "In July, the unit had 92 per cent occupancy, and I believe that really demonstrates just how great the need is for the services we provide."

Graham Clark, 44, from Ouston, was one of the unit's first patients and regularly visits the day hospice.

He said: "Being able to stay at the hospice for a short time was a great help to both me and my family.

"It was good to know that the staff knew exactly how to look after me and deal with any problems straight away.

"My family could visit whenever they liked and my three young children could play in my room.

"The whole experience was first class."

St Cuthbert's Hospice opened in 1988. Each bed in the inpatient unit costs £330 per day to run.

A range of birthday activities will be taking place during today.

The hospice receives some funding from the County Durham Primary Care Trust but raises much of its running costs from fundraising events and from its hospice shops.

To support the St Cuthbert's Hospice, or for more information on its work, call 0191-386-1170.