OVER half a million pounds is set to be invested in new services at Manorlands as part of a charity partnership.

An initial £170,000-plus has already been earmarked for expanding community provision at the Oxenhope hospice as a result of supermarket giant Morrisons' link-up with Sue Ryder.

But it was revealed this week that the initiative could be worth more than £500,000 to Manorlands over three years.

Plans are in place for seven-day community nurse specialists and an expansion of the rehabilitation and complementary therapy services.

The specialists, including one for neurological conditions, would support people in their own homes.

Since Morrisons launched its Sue Ryder Raise a Smile partnership nine months ago, over £1m has already been raised nationally.

Some of the money is also being used to fund a new facility which will enable people with end-of-life care needs to access information and advice and share their experiences online.

Manorlands director, Lizzie Procter, said: "We're overwhelmed by the incredible sum of money that Morrisons customers and colleagues have raised for Sue Ryder in such a short space of time and we’re delighted to be able to use some of these funds to expand our community services.

"The services we are developing here at Manorlands hospice will ensure our patients receive more choice and control over their care at the end of their lives, while our online community will give people quick and easy access to information and support.

"The money raised through our Morrisons partnership will make a lasting difference to thousands of families at the most difficult time of their lives and I’d like to thank colleagues and customers across West Yorkshire for their support so far."

Martyn Jones, group corporate services director at Morrisons, said the company was "incredibly proud" to be involved in the partnership.

He added: "The new services we are funding through our partnership with Sue Ryder will ensure that families with loved ones at the end of their lives receive support when they need it the most."

E-mail morrisons@sueryder.org or call 0800 949 6000 for further information about the partnership.

People can donate £3 by texting SMILE to 70123.

A COLLECTION at Keighley’s Morrisons supermarket earlier this month raised £526 for Manorlands.

Staff and volunteers from the hospice spent nine hours at Morrisons as part of the Sue Ryder charity’s National Collection Day.

Sue Ryder is the national charity partner of Morrisons, and elections were held at stores across the country to celebrate Hospice Care Week.

The Keighley collection quickly passed the £200 target set for the day.

Jodie Shepherd, head of hospice fundraising at Manorlands, said she wanted to thank staff at the Keighley store for their ongoing support.

Money raised through the Morrisons Raise a Smile partnership with Sue Ryder is funding new community services, family support teams and an online support community.