A LEGACY donation is set to make 'a huge difference' to the lives of poorly children when a hospice opens its doors later this year.

Forget Me Not Children's Hospice in Radcliffe has received £200,000 from the estate of the late Dorothy Mary Bottomley towards its running costs.

The legacy donation was handed over to staff at the hospice in Dumers Lane by Dr Ray Farrell, executor of the estate.

The children's hospice has already begun caring for families through their 'hospice at home' service, and is due to provide in-house care at the end of 2018.

Dr Farrell was a friend of the late Mary Bottomley, as she preferred to be known, and her husband Fred for more than 30 years.

Helen Latham, senior fundraiser at the hospice, called Grace's Place, said: "We are so grateful to Dr Farrell, and of course Fred and Mary Bottomley for this hugely generous donation.

"It will make a significant difference to the children and families we care for across Bury, Oldham and Rochdale, enabling us to deliver a range of much-needed services from clinical care to counselling, activities and support groups and bereavement support.”

Dr Farrell first met Fred Bottomley at Rochdale Golf Club. Mr and Mrs Bottomley were married for 62 years and both served in the RAF. Dr Farrell was entrusted with the responsibility of where to distribute the couple's substantial legacy when they died in 2009 and 2017, respectively.

He said: "Fred and Mary sadly lost their only child at birth. But they made the most of life.

"To help open a children's hospice would be a wonderful legacy for Mary and Fred. Mary would be delighted to know that she has helped Grace's Place in its early stages."

Dr Farrell visited the hospice last week to look around and meet staff and supporters of the charity. "I would like to wish Grace's Place every success", he said.

Forget Me Not will care for children in the Bury, Oldham and Rochdale areas, where there are more than 650 children living with life-shortening conditions.