Caring workers from Ulverston’s Ashley and Rock had raised cash in 1993 to sponsor the job of a worker at the town’s St Mary’s Hospice.

In the first deal of its kind staff from the electrical components firm had donated £2,000 to help pay for the salary of patient welfare Mary Goldie for the coming year.

The money, which had been raised mainly by women assembly workers, was handed over on their behalf by Jean Weathers to hospice matron Joan Pollitt.

The workers’ gesture would enable Mrs Goldie to continue her role as welfare officer, which involves visiting patients and their families during what can be a stressful period, advising on benefits available.

During the ceremony at the hospice in Ford Park Crescent the matron also received a cheque for £1,000 from Wilfred Hackett and Eric Travis of the northern group of masonic lodgers and chapters, on behalf of the Duke of Kent’s Grand Charity.

And Barrow and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce secretary Brenda Hall handed over a cheque for £110, the proceeds of a recent bowls and fun event.

Accepting the cheques Mrs Pollitt said: “We are absolutely delighted that all sections of the community are still giving so much support to St Mary’s Hospice.”

Also in 1993 a sponsored cycle ride in aid of St Mary’s Hospice’s extension appeal clocked up £850.

The event, which involved 38 riders, was organised by Glaxo worker John Hardman, who in his spare time was a voluntary worker at the hospice.

The ride, over a course to and from Roose Conservative Club by way of the coast road and Leece, involved several members of the Lakeland Cycle Club as pacemakers.

Some of their riders completed five circuits and clocked up 35 miles.

John, who completed two laps, said “We were staggered at the response. I put the cycle ride together in six weeks after doing the sponsored walk and raising £500.”