A TOP executive of one of the country's biggest banks has presented pioneering East Oxford hospice Helen and Douglas House with £10,000.

Hospice founder Sister Frances Dominica was named Woman of the Year in a Barclays-sponsored awards in October 2007.

And Barclays' UK retail banking chief, Deanna Oppenheimer, was so touched and inspired by the work of Sister Frances, she decided to make the donation to the charity.

Sister Frances invited Ms Oppenheimer to visit the hospice, in Magdalen Road, and the bank chief took a two-hour tour of Helen and Douglas House.

After seeing the care the hospice provides for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions, Ms Oppenheimer handed over the cheque.

The £10,000 will be enough to pay for a one-to-one nurse for four months.

Ms Oppenheimer said: "We were proud to give our award to such an exceptional woman who has dedicated her life to helping children and young people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across the world.

"Sister Frances Dominica is truly an inspiration to us all. As the founder of the world's first children's hospice, her work has had a positive and lasting impact on the lives of many."

And Barclays head of community relations for Oxfordshire, Julia Husband, said: "In the United States, where Ms Oppenheimer is from, there isn't a hospice movement.

"That is why she took time out to meet the staff and some of the people who go there - and she was really inspired."

It was the first time the bank had supported the charity.

Sister Frances said: "It was a fantastic surprise. Barclays sponsored the Woman of the Year award, which I won, but it was not a monetary award. So when I invited Ms Oppenheimer to come and visit, it was simply because she showed such interest.

"We were really delighted she took up our invitation to see both houses. But the cheque for £10,000 was the most amazing surprise.

"Most of what we are given is in relatively small amounts - which, when we add them up, makes it possible for us to welcome the children and young people.

"When we get a gift like this, it is a huge bonus."

The hospice, which was the first of its kind in the UK, is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has been involved in a major fundraising push throughout the year, set to end on March 31.

Joanna Mitchell, head of fundraising, said: "Sister Frances Dominica's woman of the year award, and the subsequent donation of £10,000 from Barclays UK Banking, is the latest in a long line of exciting things that have happened during this special year.

"We're so grateful to all our existing supporters who have really got behind the 25th anniversary, and we've also welcomed the chance to make new friends like Barclays."