A BATTLING Atherton cancer survivor, whose life is now marred by breathing difficulties, has praised Wigan Infirmary's hard working staff.

Pensioner mother-of-three Alex Farrimond has just been released after two and a half weeks on the heart ward at the Royal Albert Edward -- and can't thank the hospital enough.

Thirty six years ago Alex was devastated when she was struck down with breast cancer at the age of 34.

But she battled through and 10 years later disaster struck again when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

With a strong will and the help of a loving family and fellow nurses at Atherleigh Hospital, she found the strength to fight through.

Despite the double blow Alex, of Douglas Road, Atherton, never thought she was going to die.

Cheerful as ever she soldiered on, but was forced to leave nursing and trained as a personnel manager, retiring at the age of 52 after an accident.

She started fund raising for the Pat Seed Cancer Appeal and more recently for the breast cancer charity Breakthrough. She was struck down by bronchial asthma 12 years ago but still has that same fighting spirit.

She said: "I know when I have got to the point that I can't control the condition.

"I took a taxi to Wigan, rather than an ambulance to Bolton, and was admitted with severe breathing difficulties. I was later transferred to an assessment ward for two days before being moved to the heart care ward.

She said: "I had nothing put the best treatment from porters to consultants. They were all brilliant.

"No one needs to be frightened of going into the Albert Edward, the staff give their all.

"Some of them were on the wards for 14 hours a day and never had a smile off their faces. Patients were never refused anything.

"Even when they lost a patient they put flowers on her pillow, doing little things that mean so much to a family.

"I can't understand all the criticism. I think it would be nice to let the people of the Leigh area know something good for a change instead of nothing but complaints coming to light."