A WOMAN's dying wish was fulfilled when her £650,000 legacy was left to Worcestershire hospitals to support heart and cancer services.

The generous gift was left to Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust by Dorothy Hackney who recently passed away at the age of 92.

She chose to leave her legacy to the trust following the care of her husband at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester, who was diagnosed with incurable bone marrow cancer, myeloma.

Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found at the centre of some bones. It produces the body's blood cells. Myeloma affects the cells inside the bone marrow, which are an important part of the immune system.

Although Dorothy lived in Penmark, Wales, she often visited Worcestershire with her husband on holiday. It was during one of these holidays that she witnessed the care doctors and nurses of Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester were able to give to her husband.

To show their appreciation, the trust has arranged for a plaque to be placed in Dorothy’s memory in the foyer of the hospital.

Close friend and executor of Dorothy’s will, Graham Hunt said: “Since her husband’s treatment at the hospital Dorothy knew she wanted her money to go towards helping other patients with myeloma. She always went on about how kind everyone was to both her and her husband throughout his care.”

Consultant haematologist, Dr Salim Shafeek treats patients with myeloma and other forms of blood cancer. He said: “Myeloma is a growing condition that is difficult to treat. Without research we can’t progress on these incurable conditions. This great donation to our research means we can continue to bring better care to our patients. Every penny will go towards improving patient care, whether through developments to equipment and facilities or by setting up more local research trials.”

The money will also be going towards Worcestershire’s heart services. Dr Jasper Trevelyan, consultant cardiologist said “This donation will help us provide first class care in cardiology. Over the last eight years we have invested in a new cardiac catheter lab and moved on to 24/7 services for emergency heart attack care. This money will allow us to invest in and expand our services even further for our patients.”