SHE spent her entire career bringing babies into the world.

But the former head of midwifery at the Royal Bolton Hospital spends her retirement helping to provide funding to pay for the care of people coming to the end of their lives.

Jean Bracken began working as a volunteer in the Bolton Hospice shop in Astley Bridge three years ago after paying a visit to the store.

The former midwife - a nurse for 34 years - felt she had to give something back.

Miss Bracken, aged 60, of Anshaw Close, Belmont, is now the shop manager and is backing the Bolton Evening News' Garden of Tranquillity appeal, urging people to dig deep into their pockets to improve the outdoor space at Bolton Hospice.

She said: "The facilities at the hospice are very good but I think it would be wonderful for patients and their families to have a special garden that's been designed specifically with them in mind.

"An improved space outside would create a greater sense of normality, which can be difficult at this time in people's lives. I would absolutely encourage people to donate as much as they can."

Currently the gardens at the hospice are mainly covered in grass with no access for people in wheelchairs or using zimmer frames. The borders are sparsely planted and paving stones are uneven and cracked.

The Bolton Evening News has launched its Garden of Tranquillity appeal to raise £100,000 to completely renovate the gardens.

Pathways will be created, along with private seating areas, a water feature and a sensory garden bursting with scents and colours.

Fundraising events organised so far are a Seventies night at Dixon Green Labour Club, in Mossfield Road, Farnworth, from 7pm on September 9, a sponsored walk starting at Rivington Great Barn, Lever Park, Horwich, on September 10, for details contact 01204 652261, and a yoga session at the Little Lever Community Hall, Mytham Road, Little Lever, from 6.30pm until 8pm on October 4, for details contact 01204 704600.