THE name of a dedicated Fylde fundraiser, who raised more than £750,000 in his lifetime, is to live on at South Shore Hospital.

Ken Goldbourne was the backbone of the Blackpool-based Queendeans charity before his death at the age of 66 in October.

And in honour of his work, former colleagues are presenting seven beds to the hospital which has agreed to name a bay after him.

Queendeans secretary Bill Dickie feels it is the least the society can do.

"Ken was a wonderful man," he said. "In retirement the Queendeans was his life.

"Even though he had health problems he never let it deter him from fundraising. No matter which pub or club we went into everyone knew who he was.

"And whether it was £2,000 or £30,000, Ken could find it. He could extract raffle prizes from anyone."

Bachelor Ken, who lived in Loftus Avenue, Blackpool, even died in the call of duty. He suffered a heart attack at the South Shore Bowling Club on his way to collect for a raffle.

"That's the way he would have wanted to go," said Bill.

He was held in such esteem by his colleagues that they once nominated him for an OBE. Unfortunately nothing came of it, but Bill hopes this latest tribute will help to make amends.

He explained: "Ken never received the recognition he deserved in his lifetime, but the bay named after him will go a little way to putting that right."

Kevin Clarkson, manager of South Shore Hospital, was only too glad to help when the Queendeans approached him with a view to naming a bay after Ken.

He said: "Ken did so much for us as a hospital it is only right he should be remembered."

The naming ceremony will be held on Ward Four of the hospital on Friday, January 12 at 2pm.

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