The family of Maurice Sendall who lost his battle against cancer earlier this year have donated �2,000 to the Sandra Chapman Centre at Gorleston's James Paget University Hospital where he received his care.

The family of Maurice Sendall who lost his battle against cancer earlier this year have donated �2,000 to the Sandra Chapman Centre at Gorleston's James Paget University Hospital where he received his care.

Following Mr Sendall's death from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia his widow Joan and daughters Alison and Lucy decided to raise money in his memory by asking for donations rather than flowers at his funeral service.

At a ceremony to hand over the proceeds, Mrs Sendall, of Caister, near Yarmouth, said: “Maurice was first diagnosed in 2003 and received his care at the Sandra Chapman Centre. The cancer came back last year, so he began chemotherapy at the hospital for a second time.

“He was treated so well at the Sandra Chapman Centre that we all wanted to give something back to the unit after he died to show our appreciation for the care he had received.

“The staff were always so wonderful to my husband, and he had a lot of respect for them. It seemed fitting to do this in his memory.”

Sonia Cole, ward matron, said: “We are extremely grateful to Mrs Sendall and her daughters for this kind donation. We're planning to use it to purchase a new infusion pump, which is used to deliver intravenous medication such as chemotherapy.”