Chemotherapy services at West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven were given a boost recently when an incredible donation of £40,000 was received.

The money was donated by Martin Mahone, from Cleator Moor, as a thank you for the care given to his wife Joanne.

Joanne Mahone sadly passed away aged 46 in 2019, after having a rare form of cancer.

Martin explained that he wanted to raise money in Joanne’s memory that could help others in the local area.

He said: “20 months ago I lost my beloved wife Joanne to a very rare sarcoma cancer after she was diagnosed two years ago.

“Family, friends and our incredible community committed to raising funds in the hope that we could find treatment to save her.

“Tragically, Jo’s cancer was so aggressive that within four months she passed away.

“We all agreed the money raised should go to charities close to our hearts, and be retained in our local community, who raised the bulk of the funds.

“Thank you to everyone for their donations and support.”

Dawn Sanderson, ward manager of the Henderson Suite - where chemotherapy treatment is provided for patients - has described how grateful all of the staff are for the amazing sum that Martin and the Mahone family has donated.

She said: “This is such a generous gift to be given from the Mahone family and we are all so grateful that Martin and his family decided to donate such a staggering amount to the Henderson Suite.

“We are currently planning how we will use the donation to benefit our patients.

“There is no doubt it will have a big impact on our department and we cannot thank Martin and his family enough.”

The total amount raised in Joanne’s memory was a staggering £80,000.

The money is being split between the Henderson Suite and Hospice at Home who helped Joanne and her family during her treatment.