MORTON’S Butchers in Horsforth have been delivering their quality meat to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice for over 25 years for the staff and patients to enjoy.

This week the hospice kitchen staff were overwhelmed to hear that they will donating their weekly delivery for free until all Covid restrictions are lifted.

The incredibly generous gesture came from the shop owner Allan Morton in memory of his grandad Clifford Morton who was cared for at the hospice.

Allan said: “I was incredibly close to my grandparents. I honestly believe that the care that my grandad received from Sue Ryder allowed him to have another year of life with us and I wanted to do something to say thank you to the charity during what has been a very difficult year for them.”

Allan’s grandad Clifford was a regular visitor at the hospice where he received respite care when he was diagnosed with cancer.

Allan remembers: “He would sometimes come in to the hospice for a little while to be cared for and get his pain under control. This would then allow him to come back home to us and have a much better quality of life. The care he received really was tremendous.

“Nothing was too much trouble. I remember one day he was in there he really fancied some kippers to eat. The staff went out of the way to get some for him. I’ve never forgotten that, how they managed to make sure he had something he really fancied eating.

“When the time came for him to go into Wheatfields at the end of his life we were able to visit him every day and could see how well cared for he was.

“And it wasn’t just him that the staff looked after. They supported us too with bereavement counselling when he passed away. What they do really is second to none.

“I was thinking about what I could do at a time when their fundraising events are cancelled and their shops are closed and this sounded like a good way of giving something back and supporting Sue Ryder just like they supported our family.”

Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice Director, Elaine Hill said: “This is such an incredibly generous gesture from Allan and his staff.

“It has been a difficult 12 months for us here at the hospice and we have faced many challenges providing the best possible care for our patients during the pandemic.

“To hear that we are thought of and appreciated like this really does give all our staff such a boost. Thank you Allan and team for your wonderful generosity and for having us in your thoughts.”

Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice is in Headingley, Leeds. The hospice provide expert palliative care and support for those living with a life-limiting condition and also help for loved ones and family.