Memory of stalwart MP will live on through care for others

Joan Maynard was a well-known Labour politician who lived at Sowerby, near Thirsk, for many years before she died nearly seven years ago.

An appeal committee was subsequently set up in her name led by her friend, Eleanor Hooper, and it quickly raised £70,000 towards setting up a unit, originally at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, in Miss Maynard's honour.

However, the project was delayed because of changes in the health system and the planned redevelopment of the Friarage.

Instead, work on two units has begun at the Lambert Hospital, Thirsk, and the Rutson Hospital, Northallerton.

The League of Friends of the Lambert Hospital is also contributing towards the cost, as is the Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust.

Palliative care concentrates on the quality of life of patients and their families, focusing on controlling pain and other symptoms, and meeting a person's social, emotional and spiritual needs.

Mrs Hooper said: "Local people are at last about to have the benefits of palliative care units at the Lambert and the Rutson.

"But the fundraising is not over yet, and we will be continuing to raise funds to finish this project off."

The director of nursing and community services at the local primary care trust, Rose Critchley, said: "We're very grateful to the Joan Maynard appeal for their fundraising and continued support in this project, which will help provide a conducive environment for those patients who require palliative care in Hambleton and Richmondshire."

Anyone willing to donate or raise money for the continuing appeal can contract Mrs Hooper on (01845) 522637.

Miss Maynard died in 1998, aged 76, after a battle against cancer.

A leading socialist, she was for 13 years the Labour MP for Sheffield Brightside and was also an active parish and county councillor in North Yorkshire.

For many years she was also deeply involved in agricultural and rural issues and how they affected working people.