Brave friends Maggie McAleese and Suzanne Kirkman are working to ensure fellow cancer patients get the best possible future care.

St Leonard's Hospice patients, from left, Suzanne Kirkman and Maggie McAleese Picture: David Harrison

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Maggie and Suzanne, who are both terminally ill, have started their own "cottage industry" to help our Hospice 2000 Appeal.

The courageous women, who met in York's St Leonard's Hospice, say they are thrilled to help its Millennium Appeal.

They have proved an inspiration to others with their cheerfulness and determination to make the best of the time left to them.

Last week they started making items to sell to staff and visitors. Orders came flooding in and they have already raised £160.

They have decorated picture frames with coloured mosaic tiles, made tea-pot stands and painted silk scarves - all under the initial guidance of hospice occupational therapist Lu Mason, who dubbed their handiwork SuMag Cottage Industries.

Lu said: "They are so enthusiastic and absorbed in their craft work that it is a real inspiration to everyone.

"We made a big cheque for them to present to the fundraising staff - just like all those people outside the hospice who are raising funds.

"The difference is that Maggie and Suzanne know at first hand what hospice care means and how the redeveloped hospice will help give patients like them more opportunities in the future."

Suzanne, who is 44 tomorrow and from Poppleton, said: "We really enjoy making things and want to say thank you to the staff for all they do for us. Nothing is too much trouble - they are all absolutely marvellous."

She was diagnosed with bone cancer last September after successfully beating the disease three years ago. She has had some radiotherapy but is not strong enough for chemotherapy. This is her first time in the hospice.

Maggie, a 45-year-old Londoner who came to Fulford with her husband Neil seven years ago, found she had cancer two years ago. She has had some successful treatment but now says there is nothing further doctors can do.

Complications from diabetes meant Maggie had to have both legs amputated last year.

This is her fourth time in the Hospice and she says she feels fine, is having respite care and the doctors ensure that she does not have any pain.

She was due to go home today, but will be able to continue her handicrafts when visiting the Day Hospice.

SuMag have made between 30 and 40 items in less than a week.

Maggie said: "We spur each other on and really enjoy it. It gives us something worthwhile to do.

"It is great to have met Suzanne who is so friendly and we get on really well."

Maggie is a country and western fan and enjoys playing her Yamaha organ in her room at the Hospice. She also writes poems and and June Kirkman of Poppleton used to own and run Kirkman's off-licence in Lawrence Street and Suzanne worked with them.

Her sister Dawn Platt has a newsagents in Middlethorpe Grove and is able to visit her in the Hospice every day.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.