A COUPLE who volunteer in memory of their daughter are calling on more people to donate their time to help others.

Cheryl and Simon Husband from Brierfield have been volunteering for Pendleside Hospice for more than six years after their daughter Rachel spent time at the hospice before she passed away.

The pair, who volunteer supporting patients and their families on inpatients, said volunteering at the hospice has been one of the most rewarding things they have done.

Former Walton High School pupil Rachel, 21, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008 after she suffered a series of headaches.

Her mum Cheryl, a nursery nurse, said: “She was immediately transferred to Royal Blackburn Hospital to wait for a bed to become available on the neurosurgical unit at Preston.

"Her conditioned worsened very rapidly, she went into a coma and we were told it was unlikely she would come out of it and that we needed to prepare ourselves for the worse.”

Rachel underwent an operation where they managed to remove 70 per cent of the tumour and spent three months in hospital receiving radiotherapy.

Once Rachel was well enough to return home it was suggested to Cheryl and Simon that they get in touch with Pendleside Hospice.

Cheryl said: “We are in a very privileged position that we don’t need to go through a medical referral to access the hospice and the services they provide.”

They provided the family with a monitor which enabled Cheryl and Simon to communicate with her in the night if needed and Rachel was offered a place on day services.

Pendleside Hospice also kept in regular contact, with visits from the hospice doctor and physiotherapy appointments to help her mobility.

Cheryl said: “In May she was 21 and they threw her an amazing surprise party, they decorated the conservatory pink, the family were invited, a buffet was provided which included the biggest chocolate fountain ever.

“She was delighted, they pulled out all the stops to make it a very special day for her.”

Her condition deteriorated and in July 2009 she was given a bed at Pendleside, where she passed away.

“Simon and I both volunteer as we wanted to give something back. We can never repay them for what they did for us, but in this small way we can,” added Cheryl.

Simon said: “I have learned so much through volunteering. I feel immensely privileged to be able to spend time around the inpatients and their families, and to be able to be there to share their journey with them."

To get involved call 01282 440120.