A DEDICATED space for day care patients suffering from life-threatening illnesses was opened by the Duchess of Gloucester yesterday.

The Duchess, Birgitte Eva, commemorated the opening of the new Cavendish Wing at Ulverston's St Mary's Hospice.

"I've been delighted to see some of the wonderful work that goes on here and I've been fortunate to meet quite a lot of the patients – it's been quite a party," said the Duchess.

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The Duchess spent more than one hour talking to staff and patients on a tour of the hospice and its new Department of Health funded wing which cost £468,000.

Named after Lord Cavendish, former chair and current patron, the wing marks a milestone by offering the first specific space for day services since it opened 25 years ago.

Day patient Arthur Fenton, 67, said: “The Duchess was lovely and down-to-earth. She's just like you and me.”

Alan Oliver, 73, who visits every fortnight, said the wing was a change from the small space they had before, and they were now able to enjoy the peaceful, airy room.

With a day hospice on the ground floor, the two-storey addition also has an education suite above for training and meetings.