Marina Dalglish

[Rory Fitzgerald]

Source: Echo

 

 

MARINA Dalglish was today honoured for her campaign to battle breast cancer.

 

The 55-year-old wife of Liverpool FC legend Kenny Dalglish was one of a host of Merseysiders named in the New Year’s honours list.

 

Mrs Dalglish, who successfully fought the disease after being diagnosed in 2003, said she was “absolutely delighted” to be made an MBE.

 

Her husband already holds the honour.

 

She said: “I am absolutely delighted, not just for me but for everyone at the appeal.

 

“Although it is me getting it, it is really for everyone who has helped, given their time, and those who have supported us.

 

“It is lovely recognition for the charity.”

 

The mum-of-four launched the Marina Dalglish Appeal in 2004 with the aim of raising £1.5m to fund a chemotherapy centre based at Fazakerley hospital to enable cancer sufferers to receive key treatment closer to their home.

 

The new centre opened last year, and now the appeal aims to raise £5m to create a radiotherapy centre at Clatterbridge hospital.

 

Among the fund-raising drives are a “buy a brick” initiative, while the appeal is also one of the lord mayor’s official charities for 2008-09.

 

Mrs Dalglish, who recently became a grandmother, said: “When we first raised £1.5m, I said ‘that is it’, and everyone said ‘please don’t finish’.

 

“I think we have got nearly £2m towards the Clatterbridge centre now, and we still need money to keep the centre going at Aintree.

 

“People do not realise, we are just a wee charity, but we get a lot of help, which means our overheads are nothing. And of course we have Kenny and Liverpool.”

 

A charity game is now being planned for the end of the season at Anfield, which is expected to feature footballers and celebrities.

 

James Birrell, chief executive of Aintree university hospitals NHS foundation trust, said: “Everyone is absolutely delighted for Marina, who thoroughly deserves this honour.

 

“She worked tirelessly to lead the fund-raising campaign for the centre.

 

“Her efforts resulted in an absolutely first-class facility, which sets a gold standard for patients.

 

“Her success made a massive difference to patients’ lives, enabling them to access the treatment they need in a well-located purpose-built centre.”

 

 

 

Kenny: I'm so proud of Marina

 

ANFIELD legend Kenny Dalglish today told of his family's pride after his wife was honoured with an MBE.

 

Marina Dalglish was recognised by the Queen for her breast cancer charity work in Liverpool.

 

Kenny, who received his MBE for services to sport in 1985, said: “I am very proud of her – the whole family is very proud of her.

 

“Obviously five years ago after going through what she went through she just wanted to show her appreciation for the people who cared for her so brilliantly.

 

“She’s made a success of the charity and has worked really, really hard at it.

 

“It’s her name on it. But this award is a reflection of the people who have been the real heroes – that's all the people on Merseyside and beyond who have supported the charity.

 

“It’s resulted in a fantastic new facility being built at Fazakerley.

 

“Marina has never ever wanted any recognition for herself, she just wanted to help make things a bit more comfortable these days for people who are going through what she went through.

 

“But the children and myself are all really proud of her today and one thing is for sure – she’ll be carrying on.”

 

 

[muleskinner]

Good on her, top lady.

[CarraLegend]

She's an amazing woman and he's an amazing man. Nice combo!

[Andy @ Allerton]

Congrats to her and her family!

[casey]

Well deserved

[Bootle Buck]

Well in Queen Marina!

[sammy knucklz]

Extremely well deserved, great news.

 

Well in girl.

[5InIstanbul]

 

Nice one Mrs Legend.

[KD07]

Love re-reading the King's book. She comes across as a level headed lady as they come. A looker too, by the photos in the book.

[RP]

Very well deserved recognition.

 

 

Did I ever mention the time I had dinner with her, Kenny and Kelly?

[Bromage]

Very well deserved recognition.

Did I ever mention the time I had dinner with her, Kenny and Kelly?

 

Once or twice........

[badtodabone]

excellent fully deserved from what i hear

[KD07]

Very well deserved recognition.

Did I ever mention the time I had dinner with her, Kenny and Kelly?

 

Lucky git. Did you make a pass at either?

[RP]

I had to fight Kelly off with a stick.

 

Naturally.

[New York Red]

Ummm, about her.

 

Is it true?

[AmassiveSlot]

Well in!

 

Best wishes