A WOMAN whose mother died from cancer has become the first person to sign up for a hospice’s latest fundraising campaign.

Marie Curie Hospice’s Pay for a Day scheme asks people or businesses to pay £5,562 to cover 24 hours’ care at the site.

Vicki Burton signed up in memory of her mother, Maggie Gilbert, who died in December 2012 aged 67.

Grandmother-of-seven Mrs Gilbert, who was extremely well known in Ilkley where she taught aerobics for 30 years, was treated at the Maudsley Street hospice for the last six weeks of her life.

Mrs Burton has paid for two days of treatment - Thursday, August 27, which was her mother’s birthday, and December 12, the day she died.

She aims to raise £20,000 for Marie Curie and has already raised £12,000 through fundraising events including charity golf days and will take part in a trek in Sri Lanka in November. For the second year running, she has also organised a charity fashion show, sponsored by AtticWomenswear, which takes place at The Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley, on Friday, October 16.

“I get comfort from knowing that I’ve helped these wonderful angels care for another family at the time when they need it most,” said Mrs Burton, 39, of Guiseley.

“What this hospice does is nothing short of inspiring. They are amazing.

“The care we got for my mum was brilliant. They look after everybody. They are all so caring and considerate.

“These people are worth every penny that can be raised for them.

“Anything people can do to help is worth it. The care and empathy by hospice staff is just fantastic - they even organised a special Christmas Day for my family of 15.”

Mrs Burton said her mum was a force of nature.

She featured in the pages of the Ilkley Gazette on many occasions from her involvement with Ilkley Rugby Club and Bracken Ghyll Golf Club in Addingham, where she raised over £70,000 for the clubs. More than 300 people attended her funeral at All Saints Church in Ilkley, where a collection for Marie Curie raised £2,300.

“I wanted to pay back for my mum’s care. She was here for the best part of six weeks and it cost £18,000,” said Mrs Burton.

People who sign up for Pay for A Day can visit the hospice to meet the team and will receive a certificate and mention on the hospice’s website.

Marie Curie Hospice community fundraiser Leah Mitchell said: “People who have had relatives who have been at the hospice say it is nice to be able to give something back.

“Anybody can pay for any day they would like.”

To take part in the Pay for a Day scheme, call community fundraiser Miss Mitchell on 01274 337017, e-mail leah.mitchell@mariecurie.org.uk or visit mariecurie.orguk/bradford.