A VOLUNTEER charity worker has spoken emotionally of how he would "do anything" for the hospice which cared for his dying wife.

Phil Kendall pays glowing tribute to Manorlands, where his soulmate Jan spent several weeks and her final hours.

And he is urging people to support the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice, which relies on voluntary contributions to maintain its services.

"Jan was suffering from a lot of pain and was in and out of hospital about 27 times but within a few days of going into Manorlands she was totally pain free," said Mr Kendall, 71, who works with the Soldiers Sailors & Airmen's Families Association in Keighley.

"Everybody, from the lady who comes round with the tea to the specialists, was absolutely fantastic. They are a special breed.

"It wasn't just the way they looked after Jan, but the support they gave to me and the whole family.

"I just can't thank them enough.

"Even after Jan's death, the support continued.

"I became part of a bereavement group at the hospice, which helped me immensely."

Mrs Kendall was diagnosed with lung cancer after she was sent for x-rays following an asthma check-up at Kilmeny Surgery, Ingrow.

"She was referred for x-rays as a matter of routine – there was no suggestion there was anything wrong," said Mr Kendall, who lives at Oakworth.

"When we got the results, we were completely shocked.

"Initially it was unclear whether it was breast or lung cancer, but it turned out to be lung cancer and there were secondary cancers.

"We were warned it was inoperable and ultimately terminal, but there was no prognosis as to how long Jan would have."

Mrs Kendall, a mum-of-two and grandmother, underwent bouts of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She had a five-week spell at Manorlands in the summer of 2013.

After a month at home she was admitted to Airedale Hospital but then returned to the hospice, where she died the following day – less than a fortnight before her 66th birthday.

"We had enjoyed nearly 45 wonderful years together and I still miss her every day," said Mr Kendall.

"She used to work part-time in the Airedale Shopping Centre, was actively involved in the Guide movement for many years and helped me out at the office.

"She was a wonderful person and hugely popular. There was a massive turnout at Oakworth Crematorium for her funeral and over £600 was collected for Manorlands."

Lizzie Procter, director at Manorlands, said initially Mrs Kendall had been supported at home by the hospice's specialist community nurses.

"When her condition changed she was admitted to the inpatient unit here at the hospice," she said.

"We work with our patients and offer support and care tailored around their personal needs, taking into account the needs of their loved ones as well."

Manorlands – which provides free care to people with life-limiting illnesses from a wide area including Airedale, Craven and parts of Bradford – costs £2.7 million a year to run, over half of which has to be raised through donations.

People can support the hospice by taking part in its fundraising events, organising their own or donating.

Also, volunteers are needed to help with a variety of roles.

Visit sueryder.org/Manorlands or call 01535 642308 for further details.