HOSPICE supporters celebrated a decade of care yesterday by pledging future growth.

More than 2,000 patients and their families have been given care and support since the Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland opened in May 1995.

It opened because every community in the area played its part in a massive fundraising effort, organising coffee mornings, fairs and raffles to give cancer patients a specialist centre on their doorstep.

The community raised £850,000 of the £1m it cost to buy and convert the former Dene House old people's home, in Woodhouse Lane.

At that time, cancer charity the Macmillan Fund, was in charge, but handed over to the John Butterwick Trust, in April 1995.

Prince Charles gave the venture his seal of approval, and met patients, staff and volunteers when he opened the hospice.

One of the first patients was also one of the youngest. Cancer victim Julie Allison, from Newton Aycliffe, who was an auxiliary nurse at Darlington Hospital, was a regular day patient until she died eight years ago, aged only 23.

Her mother Nora was at yesterday's anniversary celebrations. She said: "I always feel at home coming here.

"They were a wonderful support to Julie and us. They came to see us when we needed support and we knew when Julie was there she was being looked after just like at home, which gave us comfort."

Graham Leggatt-Chidgey, chief executive of Butterwick Hospice Care, said: "We are celebrating ten years of success, but we are not content at looking at where we are now. We are looking at new opportunities to meet the needs of the community, who think that there is something very special about this hospice."

Mary Butterwick, founder of Butterwick Hospice Care, released ten white doves to mark the first decade at Bishop Auckland.

She said: "Even though we see death every day, this is about life. I am overjoyed that we have come this far."

The hospice relies on public support to help meet its £10,000 a week running costs. Anyone who can help can call (01388) 603003.