Cleary family thank hospital for the extra 13 years

10:41am Friday 18th January 2002

MOURNERS have been urged to contribute funds to the cash-stricken Harefield Hospital after the recent death of a much-loved local figure.

Patrick Joseph Cleary, 83, had been given just six months to live after being diagnosed with cancer 13 years ago, but his family credit the Harefield Hospital with his remarkable fight against the disease.

Mr Cleary died at his Prestwood home, in Mason Close, on Saturday, surrounded by his beloved family. His daughter, Marian Anstiss, said he would be missed by his large extended family.

She added: "He was a lovely man, and the tributes have not stopped flowing in since his death. His family has always been number one for him all through his life."

She said staff at Harefield Hospital had done so much to help the family and urged people to support the hospital, which is in danger of closing because of plans to centralise services at Paddington.

Mr Cleary was a keen Gaelic footballer in his youth, playing for a top Irish team, John Mitchell's, in County Kerry.

He, and his wife Mary, moved to Prestwood in 1965. He worked for the Wren Davis dairy in Great Missenden after serving for 12 years in the Irish army and six in the RAF.

The couple were featured in The Bucks Free Press following their Diamond Wedding celebrations in 1999.

Mr Cleary's funeral service was due to take place yesterday at the Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, in Great Missenden.

Anyone wanting to donate money to Harefield, can call the Arnold Funeral Service on 01494 472572