HALTON Haven provided practical help and emotional support for a Runcorn mum as her husband battled cancer and continues to offer a lifeline since he died.

Linda Miller only found out about the hospice when her husband of 33 years Alexander was being treated for lung cancer.

The couple were struggling with trips to Chester and Warrington for treatment until they discovered he could have all his treatment at the hospice.

Dr Averil Fountain, Halton Haven’s medical director made arrangements for Alexander to be treated once a week.

Linda also received practical help from Jan Gray who runs the hospice family support team.

Alexander’s benefit payments had been stopped. After arranging for a benefits assessor to visit Linda at home, his benefit was reinstated.

Alexander’s condition deteriorated and he spent his final days at the hospice.

But Linda said she never felt alone as the hospice constantly offered support, helping her arrange his funeral and sort out all the paperwork.

Mum Linda, 67, who lives off Latham Avenue, said: “Halton Haven has been absolutely brilliant.

“Jan is so helpful and kind. She’s is so understanding and nothing was too much trouble for her.

“She sat and listened to me.”

Linda and Alexander first met in 1967 but went their separate ways.

After both their marriages ended they found each other again and got married.

Linda said: “For the last 20 years we spent 24 hours of each day together because my husband was poorly.

“Suddenly living on your own is very hard.”

Bereavement counselling at the hospice is helping to re-build her life.

“It’s helped me tremendously,” added Linda, who still visits the hospice every week. “I also have complementary therapies. I have my feet massaged and it was heaven.

“I don’t think I would be where I am now without them.”

Hospice care week which runs until today aims to dispel the myth that a hospice is only a place where people die.

Halton Haven Hospice on Barnfield Avenue, Murdishaw, cares for people aged 18 and over with life limiting illnesses.

As a charity no charges are made for any other their services.

Half the hospice’s income comes from the generosity of the community.