A STEETON company which is a long-time supporter of Manorlands has extended its backing to another Sue Ryder hospice.

Acorn Stairlifts has donated one of its products to Wheatfields, in Headingley.

The award-winning firm installed the bespoke stairlift for free.

"The generosity of companies such as Acorn is what helps keep the doors of our hospice open and adds to the patient experience," said Kate Preer, the hospice's therapy team leader.

"Many of our patients are struggling with safety at home as they can't get up and down stairs with ease – having the option of using a stairlift when they visit us demonstrates the freedom and independence it could give them in their own home."

She said the new provision would also enable easier access to specialist bereavement counselling and group therapy sessions, away from the main care facility but on a floor without a lift.

"We often have family and friends looking for comfort and support after the loss of a loved one," she added.

"If their mobility is an issue our bereavement team would meet them downstairs but because of memories and association, this can be a difficult place to return to.

"Thanks to Acorn's stairlift, which was installed just a week after our first conversation with the team, we now have the resource to make all areas of our centre accessible to everyone."

Dave Belmont, company secretary at Acorn Stairlifts, said the firm was delighted to support the hospice.

"We have a long-standing relationship with Sue Ryder and know of the excellent work it does for patients and their families across our region," he said.

"When Wheatfields enquired about a stairlift, we decided immediately to donate one to help support its drive to make a safe, accessible and fulfilling difference to its centre."

Multi award-winning Acorn is a major supporter of Manorlands, at Oxenhope.

Workers turn out in force annually to take part in the Keighley BigK 10K walk and run.

And earlier this year the company handed over a bumper £17,845 donation, raised through a series of events over the past year.

Activities included dress-down days, a garden party, the Starlight Hike and a festive raffle.