A YOUNG widow who lost her husband to cancer is backing a fundraising campaign in aid of the hospice where he spent his final days.

Catherine Thompson, 33, lost her husband Marc in May, following an eight-month battle with the disease. He was 38.

Now Mrs Thompson, of Stanley, is supporting the Light up a Life appeal of St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham City, where her husband was cared for.

The appeal invites people who have lost a loved one to remember them by making a donation.

In return, their name is entered into a book of remembrance, which is dedicated at the annual Light up a Life service, held in Durham Cathedral.

Mrs Thompson said: "Marc spent his last days at St Cuthbert’s Hospice and loved it.

"Light up a Life is a special way of paying tribute to him and raising money to help other families who need the care that we did."

After a whirlwind romance, the couple married in Cyprus in 2003 and raised two sons: Marcus, now nine, and Jacob, six.

An active runner, Mr Thompson first showed signs of illness last year and was diagnosed with cancer in September, when doctors gave him months to live.

Mrs Thompson said: "When Marc came to the hospice, he said: ‘This is the place I need to be’.

"He was only there for five days but it made such a huge difference to him."

The hospice provides free day and overnight care for people with life-limiting illnesses. The Light up a Life service will be held on Sunday, December 11, at 6.30pm. Admission is free.

For more information, visit stcuthbertshospice.com or call Katy Taberham on 0191-3861170.