CANCER CENTRE FOUNDER DIES

He passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Palacefields home in Runcorn, aged 59, early on Saturday morning.

It follows months of stress and worry, as he struggled to keep the haven afloat.

Only three weeks ago, as the centre faced its biggest ever cash crisis, he asked the World to launch a rescue appeal.

Big-hearted readers rallied round with all sorts of fundraising events - we are now more than half way towards the £25,000 needed to save the hospice.

This week, we urge you all to join us - and keep Dom's dream alive.

Our pledge of continued support is echoed by Halton councillor Pat Tyrrell, who was this week appointed acting chairman of the board of trustees at the haven.

He said:"My message to the people of Halton is that the haven has got to not only continue but be put on a firm, sound basis.

"We are very grateful for the help we have received in recent weeks and hope that this will continue.

"My job is to ensure that the haven continues to provide care, and in the long term, stays as a viable place for the people of Halton who need it.

"It will be a living tribute for the work that Dom did."

After talks with North Cheshire Health on Monday, Pat says he is confident the hospice will survive.

He said:"Working in co-operation with the health authority, we hope to develop the centre and take it forward in the way Dom would have wished."

Halton MP Derek Twigg wrote to North Cheshire Health after reading about Dom's plight in the World.

"I raised it with the health authority to try and put the haven on a more permanent footing. It shouldn't have to keep limping from one cash crisis to another," said Mr Twigg. "I read about it in the World. I have also been contacted by a number of constituents.

"I have received a letter back from chief executive Alan Doran saying that they will not see Halton Haven close. They have promised to come up with a rescue package."

COURAGEOUS Dom pioneered a unique 'remedy' for cancer - the best medical treatment available blended with tender loving care.

He pledged to create a haven for cancer sufferers 19 years ago, after his wife, Lyn survived a scare.

It was a long, uphill battle to turn his dream into reality, but he never gave up hope.

With just 50p, a tiny room and a band of devoted volunteers, he soon won the support of 'Joe public'.

He was unemployed and had no qualifications, but, with drive, determination and bags of laughter and enthusiasm, his vision eventually came to life.

However, he could not have succeeded without the support of his wife Lynne and their two sons, Martin and Stuart, who all now work at the haven.

Even when he had a massive heart attack in January 1992, underwent surgery the following year and was later was diagnosed with cancer, he refused to let go.

He continued to run the centre from his hospital bed!

Months later, he was overwhelmed to receive a top honour from the Queen, a BEM.

Even then, he said the accolade belonged to the people of Halton who had helped him fulfill his dream.

Only days before he died, Dom had nothing but gratitude to all our readers who came to his rescue.

He was even planning to throw several social functions throughout Widnes and Runcorn to say 'thank-you'.

In his last interview, he said:"People out there are doing a brilliant job. Everyone is proving the age of miracles hasn't past.

"It is their haven. I will never close its doors to the people who need its services."

For the first time in weeks, Dom sounded relieved and reassured that his treasured haven would survive.

"I have had meetings with the health authority and they are bending over backwards to do something to help us. They are so keen and eager that we survive.

"They have always tried to support us. They understand and realise how people feel about the haven. They know we will always have the support of the local community."

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