An MP inspired by a woman who died of cancer will present a bill to bring about investment and support to hospices and carers.

Joy Watkins lived in Enfield, at 45 she was diagnosed with cancer and a 19-year-battle with the disease ensued.

In March, she gave a speech talking about her struggle with cancer in front of Enfield MP Bambos Charalambous at the North London Hospice's (NLH) Health and Wellbeing Centre in Winchmore Hill.

He listened to Joy about the care she was receiving from NLH and the need for greater investment in hospices and support for carers.

Inspired, Mr Charalambous decided to take up the mantle and bring her concerns to Parliament.

In her speech Ms Watkins wrote: “I look pretty well - I often look healthier than my stressed friends who are still working.

“I often feel ok, but I am seriously ill.

“My cancer has spread mainly to my liver, so I have tons of energy and then almost none.

“It’s very likely now that I will die this year, and possibly within months.

“That really is hard to make sense of but I’m also realistic about what is happening to me.

“I have developed a very open relationship with my doctors.”

“I am not afraid of dying, I am just not ready to die now as I am only 63 and am enjoying life too much.

“The hospice can help us live with a better quality of life. It is not just a place to die, until we are dying.

“Then I know it will be a safe place to die with real support and kindness.”

Ms Watkins died in August this year aged 63.

On Friday, Mr Charalambous will present Joy’s Bill to the Commons.