THREE cheers and congratulations to Blackburn Cathedral — our Queen will be there to give out the traditional Maundy money.

That visit, on Maundy Thursday, will certainly be a great day for the cathedral and it will most certainly be a great day for Blackburn.

I remember the Queen’s last visit.

I stood for hours on the corner of Richmond Terrace just to catch a glimpse of her, as I do have the utmost admiration for her.

I mean, she could just think ‘I shall now take it easy, to hell with all this shaking hands and making small talk to people I don't know. I’m off to my lovely house in the country and the only walking I’m going to do is with my family, my friends and, of course, my corgies’.

But such is her strong sense of duty and devotion to the country, she carries on, when I feel certain that really she would love to sink in a big easy chair, kick off her shoes and think that’s it.

Today, I have to say three cheers for the NHS. I have always thought it a very good thing, but never really appreciated just how complete and comprehensive it is.

Which makes me think that we only appreciate the absolutely fabulous service that the staff, nurses and doctors give us, is when you need it yourself.

Let’s face it, when you are fit and well you never give it or them a moment’s thought, it’s just one of those services that you take for granted.

It’s just there, but when things start go a bit wonky in your own personal health department, now that is when you really start to appreciate just how good it is.

I have had cause to need it this past week, first at the doctor’s, then the care centre in Barbara Castle Way and finally the Royal Blackburn emergency care department.

At each stage and each place the staff were thorough, considerate and very caring, and it made me proud.