A 92-YEAR-OLD care home resident has helped to reopen a hospital centre named in honour of her late husband.

Joan Cliffe, who lives at Cranford Grange in Knutsford, was invited to cut the ribbon at the newly refurbished Neil Cliffe Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital.

Neil Cliffe was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1981 at the age of 45.

After his diagnosis, he began fundraising to create a space for cancer patients to find comfort and respite.

He beat the disease after a life-saving operation and continued his fundraising efforts to help others.

By running marathons, rallying the local community, and launching the 'Buy a Brick Appeal', Mr Cliffe managed to raise more than £1 million.

This allowed him to open the doors of the Neil Cliffe Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital in 1992, run by St Ann's Hospice.

Thirty-two years later, the centre has been given to Wythenshawe Hospital.

To celebrate its reopening, Mrs Cliffe and her daughter Jacqui visited the centre for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Mrs Cliffe said: "As a family, we have given support for more than 40 years.

"Neil was a marvellous husband for 66 years, and a wonderful man, and I was always by his side.

"We want to ensure that his legacy is being perpetuated, so agreed to reopen the centre.

"At the age of 92, it was a true honour to be asked back and I am proud to still be able to support people living with cancer."

Professor Richard Booton, clinical director for lung cancer and thoracic surgery at Wythenshawe Hospital, made the opening speech.

Guests and team members reflected on Mr Cliffe's impressive legacy.

Lisa Burrows, general manager at Cranford Grange, said: "We were incredibly proud to support Joan at the reopening of the Neil Cliffe Centre.

"This not only honoured Neil’s legacy but also reinforced the importance of community and coming together to achieve extraordinary things when times become challenging.

"Joan’s dedication to preserving her husband’s memory is truly inspiring and we were thrilled to support Joan on this memorable occasion."

Cranford Grange, open to potential residents, is designed to allow residents to live active and fulfilled lives while promoting independence.