The cash will go towards cancer research

Sue Bradfield battled against the disease for eight years before she died in August 1999, aged 50.

Managers at the hospital have praised the rock band for the donation which is for research to find new treatments for cancer sufferers.

Research charity manager John Burnett said: "We are extremely grateful for this kind and substantial donation.

"Sue often came in to the hospital's charity room and sometimes brought James with her.

"She was a lovely, homely lady who was very keen on charity work and has raised money for the hospital before.

"It's nice to see that James is continuing her good work."

Ocean Spray

This latest donation is not James' first tribute to his mother - he also wrote the hit single Ocean Spray in her memory.

Ocean Spray - which is a brand of cranberry juice - was what Sue would ask James for from her hospital bed.

The chorus of the song includes the lyrics: "Oh oh please stay awake. And then we can drink some Ocean Spray."

The cash donation from the Blackwood band will go directly towards the hospital's revolutionary cancer research project.

Trials

Mr Burnett said: "We are conducting clinical trials into alternative cancer treatments for patients who don't respond to chemotherapy.

"It is a very expensive project - this contribution will be very helpful.

"It's just great to see young Welsh lads putting something back into their local health service. They may reap the rewards of it later."

A spokesman for the Manics said: "The band are only too happy to give something back in the form of charity donations."

The trio's new single Let Robeson Sing is expected to storm into the top ten on Sunday.