OXFORD East MP Andrew Smith has pledged his support to the expansion of the vital care at the hospice where his wife was treated for cancer.

Sobell House Charity announced yesterday it was investing £4m in building a new specialist facility aimed at patients with more complex illnesses such as dementia.

Launching the new multi-million-pound project at the hospice yesterday, Mr Smith praised the hospice’s expansion plans.

His wife, former Blackbird Leys councillor and former Lord Mayor Val Smith, died in May following a long battle with cancer. She resigned from the city council in September 2014 due to her illness and was moved to Sobell House in April last year.

Mr Smith said: “I knew Sobell House before so I wasn’t surprised by the quality and nature of the support.

“But nothing quite prepares you for the death of a loved one. It brings it home to you in very personal terms just how important this care and support is.”

To donate call 01865 857007, or send a cheque made payable to Sobell House Hospice Charity Ltd to Sobell House, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LE, or visit sobellhouse.org.