DISTRICT nurses at the Red Bank Health Centre were given a helping hand thanks to a donation from the widow of a former patient.

Mrs Beryl Holgate, of Turks Road, Radcliffe, lost her husband Brian last year, following a prolonged illness.

To thank nurses for their help in caring for Brian at home, Beryl asked for friends and relatives to make donations towards the centre's district nursing fund, rather than buy flowers for the funeral.

A total of £820 was raised, with which staff decided to purchase a special ultrasound Doppler machine.

The machine can be used to investigate blood circulation in patients suffering from leg ulcers, allowing bandages to be applied more comfortably. Previously, one appliance was shared between district nurses throughout Radcliffe, Prestwich and Whitefield.

Mrs Holgate said: "My husband wanted to stay at home, and with the help of the nurses, I managed to look after him there.

"They came in night and day to help. It was traumatic but I got through it with their support."

With money left over from the collection, nurses will be able to buy further additional equipment to help them on home visits.

Staff Nurse Wendy Daly said: "It was a lovely gesture and showed how much Mrs Holgate appreciated what we did for her husband."

"It means we're going to be more able to help other people."