THE family of a ‘devoted' dad who died of cancer have praised the care their loved one received at a hospital.

Richard Wiggans, 77, died at his home in April this year after receiving treatment for cancer for a year.

Mr Wiggans, of Brocklehead Farm in Darwen, had received his treatment in the chemotherapy ward at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

To thank staff for the care Mr Wiggans received, his friends and family have raised £8,615 for ELHT&Me, East Lancashire Hospital Trust’s charity.

The fundraising campaign was run by Carol Tyrie, the daughter of Mr Wiggans and his family, and included a disco, auction and raffle.

The initial target was to raise £5,000, but generous donations from extended family, friends and local businesses meant this was soon surpassed.

Part of this saw the family hold a fundraising event at Darwen Golf Club on March 23 with local businesses making a number of donations.

Ms Tyrie thanked staff on the hospital chemotherapy ward for the exceptional care and treatment her dad received.

She said: “We were overwhelmed by the generosity and support of people who donated auction items, quality raffle prizes and monetary donations.

“We were amazed that over 200 people attended the event. “

“My father sadly passed away on April 2 at home with his family.

“The money we’ve raised in his memory is a thank you for the exceptional care and treatment he received on the chemotherapy Ward.

“We hope it will also help other cancer patients through their treatment.”

Mr Wiggans’ family paid tribute after his death to a much-loved man.

They said in an acknowledgement in the Lancashire Telegraph that he was a dearly loved husband of Angela, devoted dad of Hayley and Carol, and dear father-in-law of Tony and Peter

He was also described as a much loved grandad, great grandad, brother, brother in law, uncle and good friend to many who will be sadly missed by all.

Christine Hughes, director of communications and engagement at the trust thanked Mr Wiggans’ family for their generous donation.

She said: “We are so grateful for this extremely generous donation from Mr Wiggans’ family and those who supported the family at this difficult time.

“Every penny raised will be spent improving patient experience in the chemotherapy ward at Royal Blackburn Hospital, where Richard received his treatment.

“Donations such as this make a huge difference and help us go above and beyond the NHS standard.”

ELHT&Me aims to raise funds to invest in new equipment and improve facilities.

It also aims to ‘enhance the patient environment’ at ELHT’s five hospitals – Royal Blackburn and Burnley General Teaching hospitals and community hospitals Accrington Victoria, Clitheroe and Pendle.

Anyone interested in supporting ELHT&Me should visit www.elht.nhs.uk or email fundraising@elht.nhs.uk.