A FORMER patient of Airedale Hospital's breast cancer unit has raised money in tribute to the care she received there.

Diane Sugden staged a race night after receiving treatment at the hospital last year.

Keighley Cougars provided its function room for free.

"We had an excellent night supported by all our friends, family and local businesses – including a race on mobility scooters donated by A1 Stairlifts," said Diane, of Steeton.

"The team on the cancer unit is a brilliant group, which does everything it can to make a bad situation bearable."

The event raised £1,200, half of which has gone to the cancer unit and the remainder to Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands.

Denise Parker, a Macmillan clinical nurse specialist for breast care, said: "Diane's donation is such a kind gesture.

"We plan to use it to improve patient experience by providing education and equipment, to help other women like Diane when they're going through diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer."

Diane's daughter, Joanne Hunter, a health care support worker on Ward 14 at the hospital, also helps the unit and the hospice.

She sews bags in which patients can carry their surgical drains.

"It started when my nan had surgery for breast cancer," she said.

"She had a drain and I'd just started to get into sewing, so I made her a bag to carry it in.

"I've now made 12 in total – some for Airedale and some for Manorlands – and I will keep on making them."

Denise said the bags are important for patients' privacy and dignity.

"Having a bag means the drain is discreetly hidden and it helps patients to feel they don't need to hide," she added.

"We have a number of people who make bags for us and we would like to thank them on behalf of the patients who use them."