Marina Dalglish awarded MBE

Jimmy Rice

31st Dec 2008 - Latest News

The wife of Anfield icon Kenny Dalglish was today awarded an MBE for services to cancer patients on Merseyside.

Marina Dalglish was named in the New Year honours list five years after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The mother-of-four underwent an operation and months of chemotherapy before beating the disease and launching a cancer charity in her name.

After three years' of fundraising a new £2m chemotherapy centre for Merseyside was opened at University Hospital Aintree.

Mrs Dalglish, who will pick up her award from the Queen early in 2009, said: "It's amazing how something bad can turn into something good. Who'd have ever thought that having cancer would lead to the opening of a new unit.

"I'm absolutely delighted, but this honour is not just for me, though the charity's in my name; this MBE is for everyone who's helped over the past four years.

"It started off as a 'wee' charity that's grown because of everyone's support."

Kenny added: "We wanted to show our appreciation for the fantastic care Marina got in hospital five years ago.

"The people of Merseyside put their hands in their pockets and they have a centre they can be proud of.

"And if they need to use it they can be treated in comfortable surroundings."

Kenny has already been awarded an MBE for services to football.

Learn more about the Marina Dalglish Appeal>>