A CHARITY has vowed to convert a derelict barn into a bunk-house in memory of a friend who died from cancer.

St Mary’s Centre, at Wycliffe, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, offers accommodation to children and adults in need of rest and recuperation from across the country.

The charity has space for about 20 people at the centre.

One of the people who regularly used the centre was Geoff Benson, from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, who died shortly after Christmas.

Wycliffe has now started an £80,000 project to convert an out house into Benson’s Barn, which will offer sleeping accommodation for another 16 people.

“We offer a place where people can come and get away and revive themselves,” said Hilda Hedley, who runs the centre with her husband Michael.

“Some people stay for two days, while others have been known to stay for two years.

“We have an open door policy and whoever stays here, however long they stay, can feel part of a family.”

The centre, which regularly welcomes school groups, offers the accommodation for free, but many leave donations when they leave or work around the site.

“Some people don’t have any money, but we don’t turn people away, so perhaps those people will cook or clean up,”

said Mrs Hedley.

“Everything that you see here was created with the help of volunteers.”

Mr Benson, who owned the Articolana art shop, in Ilkley, regularly helped out at the centre and often organised fundraising events for Wycliffe.

“He was always filled with enthusiasm about everything he did,” said Jacey Bilbrough, a fundraiser for Wycliffe.

“He was always encouraging others – he had real drive and vision and that was very infectious.”

Wycliffe is now raising money for the creation of Benson’s Barn and are offering people the chance to sponsor a roof slate for £1.

A silent auction of artwork by Mr Benson’s friends will also be held later in the year and profits from an over-40s diners’ club at Solberge Hall Hotel, in Northallerton, will go towards the project.

For more details, call Hilda and Michael Hedley on 01833-627227.