A PROJECT to build palliative care units at two community hospitals has been given a £3,000 donation.

The new units, which will focus on the quality of life of patients and their families, are being built at the Rutson Hospital, Northallerton, and the Lambert Hospital, in Thirsk.

The money for the scheme has come from A Celebration of Life After Cancer (Clac), a charity which raises money for local support groups and celebrates life after cancer.

The units are being built in memory of Joan Maynard, a well-known Labour politician who lived at Sowerby, near Thirsk, for many years before she died seven years ago.

An appeal set up in her name has contributed to the cost of the units, as have the Friends of the Lambert.

Judith Christofferson, community hospital manager at the Rutson, said: "We are very grateful to organisations such as Clac, the Joan Maynard Appeal and the Friends of the Lambert who work so hard to contribute to their local communities."

Eleanor Hooper, from the Joan Maynard Palliative Care Appeal, said: "Our organisation has been a strong influence in the drive for palliative care in the Hambleton area and we were overwhelmed to receive this donation from Clac, which came at just the right time with building work taking place on both sites."

Anyone wanting to make a donation to the appeal should telephone (01845) 522637.