A HOUSEBUILDER has supported a cancer charity after hearing of a resident's experience of using the service.

Matthew Slater, of Ponteland, lost his wife Linsey to breast cancer last year.

The family were supported by Maggie's Newcastle - a free support service for people living with cancer.

Matthew and daughter Louisa recently moved into Ashberry Homes' Bridgemoor at Jameson Manor development.

The sales team held an internal auction of the development’s showhome furniture, with Ashberry Homes then adding another £1,000 to the money raised. A donation of £4,755 was sent to Maggie's, based at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle.

“I am very grateful that Ashberry Homes is donating this money to Maggie’s", said Matthew. "Maggie’s was there for our family at a time in need.

“My wife, unfortunately, had secondary breast cancer and Maggie’s had been there throughout her treatment. In March 2020, when the first lockdown started, Linsey was taken into hospital and our six-year-old daughter was not allowed to visit, due to Covid restrictions.

“Maggie’s was very kind and allowed us to have a day at their centre together as a family. I will always be very grateful to Maggie’s for all their support. Linsey sadly passed away two weeks later."

Oliver Wray, sales manager for Ashberry Homes, added: “We are honoured to aid the invaluable work that Maggie’s Newcastle does for so many people."