LINDA Trengove knows just how important the work of Bolton’s Marie Curie Nurses can be.

Her husband, David, who died 10 years ago today, was cared for by them in the last months of his life.

He wanted to die at home and, thanks to the town’s nurses, and other support, his dying wish was made possible.

Mrs Trengove, aged 61, is eternally grateful to the charity for granting her husband’s last request.

She said: “He would have been absolutely devastated if I’d said I wouldn’t be able to cope at home, and I don’t think he would have lasted as long as he did. He wanted to be at home.

“The nurses were brilliant, not only with David. They were also fabulous with the rest of the family as well.”

Mr Trengove was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the end of 1998 and lost his battle against the disease on November 18, 1999.

Marie Curie nurses helped to care for him in the months before his death.

Mrs Trengove, who lives in Bradshaw, said: “I couldn’t have coped without them, physically or emotionally, and the support of the doctors, nurses, family and friends. Without Marie Curie it would have been very difficult.

“I don’t know how to put into words how wonderful they are. They were so kind and thoughtful.

“They do a marvellous job and are so dedicated to the job. I don’t know how they do it.”

Mr and Mrs Trengove, who would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in March, had three children.

When Mrs Trengove heard about the Marie Curie Nurses Appeal, which aims to raise £200,000 in the town in a year and is being backed by The Bolton News, she wanted to contribute.

She and her friend, Ruth Coffey, have been making and selling Christmas cards, with an initial fundraising target of £50.

Due to demand, they have made more than a thousand and reached £350 so far. Mrs Trengove said: “We love doing it and I wanted to help the appeal because it is a good thing to be involved in and because of David.

“This is my contribution to Marie Curie — I wanted to do something.”

All proceeds will go the appeal, which will fund more free home nursing care for terminally ill people.

Mrs Trengove said: “You don’t know when you are going to need them yourself.

“It’s really important to raise as much money as possible to provide more nurses and everyone should get involved.”

To find out more, visit theboltonnews.co.uk/ mariecurie or contact Hannah Taylor at Marie Curie on 0161 255 2809.

l Let us know how you are fundraising for the charity. Call us on 01204 537203.

cherry.thomas@ theboltonnews.co.uk