A West Cumbrian woman has been busy creating decorative items to help fundraise for a hospice as thanks for the care she and her son received.

Pauline Grears, from Cleator Moor, received one-to-one support from Hospice at Home West Cumbria after her son, David, was diagnosed with a palliative illness and referred to the charity for end-of-life services in 2022.

After David died, she was referred to the charity’s family and bereavement team for one-to-one support.

Cindy Hoten, complementary therapist at Hospice at Home West Cumbria, said: “Once Pauline’s one-to-one sessions were complete an internal referral was made for her to have Reiki from me to help her physically relax and come to terms with where she is in her own grieving process”.

Hospice at Home West Cumbria supports people who are bereaved through palliative illness, and their services include emotional wellbeing support through groups, one-to-one sessions and complementary therapies.

Despite mobility becoming an issue, Pauline has busied herself making many items such as woollen palm hearts, angel keyrings and painted pebbles, which she donates to Hospice at Home West Cumbria in hopes of bringing comfort to palliative patients, their family members and the bereaved.

Ms Grears said: “Thank you so much for the love and care you have given me over the last weeks. It has helped me a great deal.

“Cindy and Hospice at Home have given me, David and the family so much support over the last two years and it has been invaluable.

“I can’t thank you all enough, you are all angels in disguise.

“I know I still have a long way to go but you have truly made a difference to me at the worst time in my life.

“Words really aren’t enough.”

Ms Hoten added: “Pauline has been going through an incredibly difficult time, yet she has shown such strength, love and positivity.

“It is inspiring that in a time of feeling so much grief, she can spread light and joy to people of West Cumbria.”

The handmade items are available at the therapy and information centre on Finkle Street in Workington - while stocks last - and are available for a small contribution to the charity.