Family supports appeal

An American hospital that treated Phoebe Morley after she fell ill while on holiday in Florida is looking to recover the cost of medical treatment from her husband, Peter.

His insurance company has refused to cover the costs after claiming that Phoebe failed to declare her full medical history.

Peter, 60, of Bolton Road, Blackburn, has been in Blackburn Royal Infirmary since his wife died last Thursday and has admitted that he has no idea how he will fight the bill.

But he has still urged people to make donations to the appeal in his wife's memory.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph Magic Eye Appeal aims to raise £200,000 for a state-of-the-art ultrasound endoscopic scanner. The equipment will benefit the whole of East Lancashire by offering quicker and less traumatic diagnosis of stomach and oesophagus cancer.

So far, the appeal has raised £56,000.

"Even though we are short of money, we still want to get the machine because it will help to save so many lives," Phoebe's daughter Susan Wilson said.

It was while doctors in America were performing an operation to remove Phoebe's gall bladder that they discovered she was suffering from cancer.

She was flown home after Prince Aziz of Brunei stepped in to pay for the majority of the fare for an air ambulance.

But doctors at Blackburn Royal Infirmary were unable to treat the cancer, because she was too fragile to stand a chemotherapy course.

Susan, of Pendle Drive, Blackburn, added: "We know so many people. It will go a long way to help the Magic Eye appeal.

"My mum brought me up properly and we all agree that it is something we want to do.

"My dad has literally got nothing, but we want some good to come out of all this.

"All he has now is his pension, and that is not a lot."

The family is still waiting to hear if Peter can be discharged from hospital for Phoebe's funeral, which is due to be held at Pleasington Cemetery today.