A 33-year-old father-of-three has died after a brave battle against cancer.

James Ludlam spent the final ten days of his life in Manorlands.

And this week his family paid tribute to the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice for the “incredible” care it provided.

“They were absolutely brilliant,” said Sharon Ludlam, 43, from Long Lee, one of four sisters.

“Staff made his room a ‘home from home’ for him – they just couldn’t do enough.

“And they were fantastic with us, too. They said we were welcome to come and go as we pleased at whatever time of day. Sometimes there were as many as eight of us there, but it wasn’t a problem with staff.

“We are so grateful, not only for the care that was given to James, but also for the help and support shown to us.”

Mr Ludlam, who lived at Parkwood Rise in Keighley, began having problems with his health last summer, but cancer wasn’t diagnosed immediately.

“He lost feeling in the right side of his body, and it was initially believed to be a stroke,” said Sharon.

“However, when he was seen at Airedale Hospital, they couldn’t find anything wrong with him and he was allowed home.

“Subsequently, he started to have seizures in his arm and a pain in his head, and this time he was sent for a scan, which revealed he had cancer.”

Mr Ludlam was found to have a brain tumour, but the primary cancer was in his lungs.

He had a third of a lung removed and gamma radiation therapy to treat the brain tumour, spending about ten weeks in hospital.

But just before Christmas, doctors warned his time was limited.

“It was devastating, but James was always a bit of a joker, and even when he was so ill, he was still joking with the nurses – he had a great character,” added Sharon.

“He also loved playing golf – that was one of his main interests.”

Mr Ludlam – who leaves children April, 11, Jack, nine, and Isobelle, eight – worked as a night porter at the Premier Inn, Sandbeds.

His funeral service takes place at the Knowle in Victoria Road, Keighley, at 1.45pm today, followed by interment at Morton Cemetery. Donations will be given to Manorlands.