A HEARTBROKEN husband began to make funeral arrangements after his wife was told she was dying from bone cancer.

But after Mavis Wild, 60, had spent 11 weeks 'on death row' she was told that she had a condition similar to adult rickets.

Today - after hospital authorities apologised following the months of emotional agony - an inquiry was under way to pinpoint how the wrong diagnosis was made.

Tearful James Wild, 61, said: "Mavis was put on death row. She was told she was dying of cancer and we didn't know if she had one or two months to live.

"The whole family was absolutely devastated. I told lots and lots of people that she was dying."

Mavis gave heirlooms to her children Alison, Robert, Adele and Donna and transferred money into her husband's bank account.

Their names were cancelled from a waiting list for a bungalow with Salford Housing Association. Four churches were praying for Mavis and her family.

The former Blackburn College caretaker added: "She was really upset that she wouldn't see her grandchildren grow up. "I folded up when I realised I was going to lose my wife. I was on the point of a mental breakdown. I don't think I could have gone on for much longer.

"I had visions of waking up in the middle of the night to find Mavis gone."

Mavis, who was wheelchair-bound as the result of a serious accident, said she was told she had cancer following the results of a bone scan after she cancelled physiotherapy sessions because the pain was unbearable.

It was only when she broke her leg by simply sitting down that doctors at Blackburn Royal Infirmary discovered the truth behind her condition.

Mr Wild said: "I told staff about the cancer and they made tests. A doctor from the Christie Hospital in Manchester was called in and he found no signs of primary cancer which later develops into secondary cancer so he ordered a bone biopsy." He added: "When the biopsy report revealed that Mavis didn't have cancer I hugged the doctor. Mavis and me were crying for joy in each others arms.

"But it is the 11 weeks that have really harmed the family and it was so unnecessary. Someone in authority has made a big mistake and it has cost our family dear."

Mr John Thomas, chief executive for the Blackburn Hospital Trust, said: "I'm very sorry that Mrs Wild and her family have been through this distressful time. I'm very pleased that she has not got cancer.

"I will be investigating why the orginal diagnosis was made and respond."

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