A BBC broadcaster was the guest of honour at the opening of a hospice’s new family centre.

Tony Livesey told of his struggles after the death of his mother at the opening of the centre at Pendleside Hospice.

The Radio 5 Live presenter was guest of honour at the opening of the building at the Reedley-based hospice that will be used as a dedicated space to support families and carers before or after the death of a loved one.

Tony, from Laneshawbridge, spoke of the impact of the death of his mum Jean before cutting the ribbon at the opening.

Pendleside Family Centre, based in the grounds of the former Reedley Hall next to the hospice, also welcomed people currently accessing counselling services at the hospice, and headteachers, pastoral workers and pupils from schools they support through its doors.

As well as providing support to families and carers during a person’s illness, or after a bereavement to help them to cope with the sadness of losing somebody close to them, it will also be a space for therapeutic activities.

Mr Livesey said: “The need for a family centre absolutely resonates with my personal circumstances, as when my mum died I was back at school within a week. There was no real grieving process and at the time I wasn’t even told she had cancer, as that’s how it was with that generation.

“As I’ve got older I’ve tried to assess what I went through, or what I didn’t go through more accurately, and how it’s affected my life. Places like this can only be fantastic. As tragic as it is when you lose a loved one, you’ve got to process it because hiding it away doesn’t work and I’m testament to that.”

Helen McVey, chief executive of the hospice, said: “The Family Support Team has been working out of one room in the hospice, having to borrow rooms in other departments to provide one-to-one support and counselling. This has been difficult at times due to limited space across the hospice

“The new centre will be a dedicated safe space to provide pre and post-bereavement support and counselling to anybody in the Burnley and Pendle locality who requires support, regardless of whether they or their relative have had previous hospice support.

"Support is provided to children, young people and adults in either a one to one or group setting."

“It is hoped that this will have a real positive impact on local people and their families and carers, becoming a real community hub where people can get the necessary support and care at the time they need it. “

Speaking to Moorland School student Kitty Leigh, 12, who lost her dad Stephen 18 months ago, Tony said: “When I lost my mum when I was only 13 there was no one to help me. I kept the fact that my mum had died to myself. And sadly she just became a photograph on the sideboard rather than a real person.”

Referrals to Pendleside Family Centre can be made by any health or social care professional or alternatively the person themselves can get in touch directly. The centre will be open Monday to Saturday, to arrange an appointment you can contact the Family Support team on 01282 440102