ACTRESS, campaigner, film-maker and speaker Amanda Waring has become a patron of Poole’s Lewis-Manning Hospice.

Following the death of her mother in 2001, the acclaimed actress Dame Dorothy Tutin, who she says was treated with, “dismissive contempt that amounted to cruelty” by nursing staff during her final illness, she has become a passionate campaigner for older people’s rights.

Amanda first visited the hospice last year when she was invited to talk at the Ladies Lunch by her close friend Elizabeth Purcell, the hospice’s chief executive officer.

Elizabeth said: “Amanda’s mother Dorothy Tutin was a student at RADA with my parents, Lionel and Eileen Jeffries, and it seems such a great coincidence that this friendship now continues with their daughters, with myself and Amanda being both colleagues and friends.”

In 2005 Amanda sold her flat to help fund her powerful award winning awareness raising film, “What Do You See?” and has since been invited to speak around the world and at conferences focusing on dignity and respect within care.

She said: “To care for another human being is sacred work and the ability to cherish, nurture and restore someone’s self worth particularly at end of life is so important. I am delighted and honoured to be a patron of such a wonderful hospice, led by such a passionate team. I look forward to the future developments.”

She joins the likes of Harry Redknapp, Fiona Castle and Debra Stephenson among celebrities who have lent their support to the Lilliput hospice which helps more than 650 people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

“Amanda brings a wealth of professional and life experience to her new role here which will really contribute to the provision of care,” added Elizabeth.