Linda Skinner refused to mope when her brother Russell Anderson died of cancer last year. Instead, she used it as the spur to do something positive.

Now, she helps in a hospice shop - and wants other people to join in the excellent work.

MARK PAYNE reports.

LIFE was tough for Linda Skinner after her brother's death.
She had shared her home with him for more than 10 years.

She, along with her family, had cared for him through his 18-month illness.

But instead of sitting at home and moping, Linda decided to do something positive.

She set about making a difference to other people dealing with life-limiting illnesses by offering her services to Hartlepool and District Hospice where she is now a valued volunteer.

Linda, 46, has been helping out at the hospice in Wells Avenue, Hartlepool, since March and says it has added a new dimension to her life.

The mother-of-three had been thinking about doing charity work for a while, but the loss of Russell was a key factor.

She said: "I started thinking about volunteering before Russell passed away but his death did push me in the direction of the hospice.

"Then the Macmillan Nurses, who helped us care for Russell, recommended it to me and that made my mind up. My family encouraged as well and I will always be grateful to them for that."

Russell, who had learning difficulties, had lived with Linda's family for 15 years.

Linda is married to husband Derek Skinner, 44, a wagon driver and has two daughters Claire, 29, and Gemma, 26, and son Carl, 22.
She told how Russell enjoyed holidays and weekends with his mother Elaine Jones in Malton, North Yorkshire.

But despite being offered a place at the hospice Russell, who worked at Hartlepool's Remploy factory for 17 years, wanted to be looked after by his family.

He died at the family home in Hartlepool last December aged 54 after losing his battle with colon cancer.

Linda, who also has two stepchildren, Mark and Claire Skinner, said: "We were really close. He was a fantastic person and he was so well liked but he was also quite private.

"He liked a little bet on a Saturday and loved football, especially Hartlepool United. At the funeral there was so many people there. I couldn't believe how many friends he had."

These days Linda performs many small tasks that make a big difference at the hospice. They include tidying up, making drinks for the patients and their families, and talking to them.

The charity provides palliative care to people across Hartlepool and East Durham living with illnesses such as cancer, chronic chest disorders, motor neurone disease, heart disease and Parkinson's disease.

Linda said: "People have ideas about what a hospice is like but it is not like you think. There is very poorly people there but they are also very upbeat and the hospice is so calm.

"Volunteering just takes a little bit of pressure off the nurses who haven't always got time to sit and talk. Many of the patients just like to chat about the old days.

"The staff are fantastic and some of the patients really make me laugh. I don't think I would ever give it up."

Linda, who also works as a shop assistant in a convenience store, added: "I sat and thought about what I could do and decided the only thing you can give a person is your time, you can't buy time.

"I thought if I can spare a few hours to do something for people then I will do it."

And she urged others to do the same.

"Anybody can do it," she said. "If you have a few hours to spare all you need to do is apply. You get lots of support and I guarantee they will love it.

"I get a lot of satisfaction out of it and you really feel like you are doing something."

Anyone wanting more information on volunteering at Hartlepool and District Hospice should contact Scott Jobson on (01429) 855527.