ST Leonard's Hospice in York has received hundreds of pounds, after the widow of a man who died from asbestos-related cancer secured a compensation settlement.

David Fryer, from Heworth in York, was cared for by the Hospice after contracting mesothelioma, in which asbestos dust affects the lining of the lungs. He had worked for a furniture company near Wetherby.

Following his death, his wife Margaret instructed specialist industrial illness lawyers at Leeds firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate his exposure to the dust, and the hospice has now received £600 to cover the cost of his care.

Mark Aldridge, a specialist industrial illness lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, who represented the family, said: "Following a ground-breaking ruling in 2010 won by Irwin Mitchell, our clients have been allowed to claim, on behalf of the Hospice, for the care that was provided to David.

"In times where fundraising has become more difficult, I am very proud that we are able to help clients like the Fryers support the hospices where their family members receive their care at the end of their lives."

Sue Taylor, senior nurse at St Leonard’s, received the cheque from Irwin Mitchell solicitor Lucy Andrews, who lives in York.

Ms Taylor said: "All the care St Leonard’s Hospice provides – like that of other hospices – is entirely without charge to patients and their families. But of course we need to meet our costs, which are currently around £4.5 million each year; only a small percentage of this is met by the NHS.

"The rest needs to be met with the help of the hard work of volunteers and through charitable giving. So we are always very grateful when we receive generous donations like this; thank you to Irwin Mitchell for helping to arrange it."

For more information on St Leonard's Hospice go to stleonardshospice.org.uk