A YEADON-man has helped raise more than £4,000 for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice so that patients can have better access to technology.

Brian Gilligan, 44, of Yeadon decided to fundraise for the Headingley hospice following the death of one of his closest friends, Gary 'Deano' Dean in December 2015. Deano was cared for by staff at Wheatfields during the final stages of his illness.

Brian wanted to raise enough money to buy multiple tablet PCs for patients and their families to use for internet access and entertainment during their care period. Raising funds in various ways and working with his local pub, The Old Ball in Horsforth, a total of £4,335.89 was achieved, enough to pay for the tablets and additional funding to help the hospice.

Funds were raised through bake sales, raffles and online donations. Brian’s local pub, The Old Ball, also arranged a family fun day to boost the fundraising effort. Deano was a popular figure at the pub and his portrait hangs in the bar above his favourite seat.

Brian said: "I’m delighted we’ve managed to smash our original target and have raised enough money to not only supply the tablets but to help with the day to day running of Wheatfields. Patients can now have access to tablets to go online, communicate with family and friends or stream films or TV programmes. I wanted to raise enough money so that there are enough tablets for every patient at Wheatfields and we’ve done this and a little more which will be put to great use."

Old Ball pub manager Tracy Marper said: "Through personal connections we are very keen supporters of Wheatfields here at the Old Ball. We will continue to support Wheatfields and thank our customers for their ongoing support of a wonderful charity and the amazing work the team does there.”

The cheque was presented by Brian and Tracy recently to Mary Campbell, head of hospice fundraising at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in front of customers at the Old Ball. Mary added: "We're so grateful to Brian, Tracy and all the staff and customers at The Old Ball for all of their support. They have raised an incredible amount of money which will really make a difference here at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice. We can only continue to provide the care we do because of people like Brian fundraising for us, and for him to have raised so much is just wonderful."

Established over 35 years ago, Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice provides hospice care for people living in the north west, west and south of Leeds. It provides holistic and personalised end of life care as well as offering people and their families emotional and psychological support during what can be an extremely difficult time. The care provided is flexible, giving people the freedom to live the life they choose, whether that is for a number of years or days.