My lovely Mum battled cancer for many years.

We found out two years ago she had incurable breast cancer. It was a diagnosis my incredible Mum accepted with courage and dignity.

In June this year we found out her cancer had spread.

The wonderful angels from HospiceCare North Northumberland stepped in and worked alongside our family to help make our precious Mum's end of life time as comfortable as possible, filled with gentleness and care.

Mum would smile and say she was like a sheepdog - because she loved it best when she rounded up her family and was surrounded by them at home.

Thanks to Hospicecare North Northumberland she got that wish right up to the moment we said our goodbyes to her, in her own home absolutely cocooned in love.

Until you've walked this difficult and emotional journey, you have no idea of the incredible practical care and emotional support Hospicecare North Northumberland provide - for which there is no charge.

We never know when we - or our loved ones - may need their lifeline service.

Serving a population of over 65,000, they deliver practical and emotional care and support to adults living with a terminal illness requiring palliative input and end-of-life care. They also offer support to their families and carers.

HospiceCare also provides Bereavement and Dementia Support services which are accessed via self-referral. There is no charge at the point of delivery for their services which will cost the Hospice around £1.4m this year.