AN Antrobus man whose inspirational fundraising efforts led to a cancer care centre being opened in his name died aged 85 on Saturday.

Following an operation for colon cancer at Wythenshawe Hospital in 1981, businessman Neil Cliffe began training for the Manchester Marathon to raise £8,000 for specialist cancer treatment equipment.

It was the first of many fundraising efforts from Neil, who launched the Neil Cliffe Cancer Appeal, and then the Buy a Brick campaign in memory of Coronation Street star Pat Phoenix.

His efforts raised £1 million and in 1992, the Neil Cliffe Centre was opened at Wythenshawe Hospital, providing a space for patients living with cancer to find respite and comfort.

Eamonn O'Neil is chief executive at St Ann's Hospice, which runs the centre.

He said: "I’ve known Neil since the very early days of his famous appeal. He was a kind, thoughtful man with a huge heart, full of love for those who needed support.

"As well as being a gentleman, he was a really gentle man, whose soothing voice and reassuring words endeared him to everyone he met.

"Neil made St Ann’s a richer, warmer place and we’re going to miss him terribly."

While his fundraising efforts were well known, Neil also spent hours on the phone and in hospitals supporting cancer patients.

In more recent years, he continued to volunteer with St Ann's Hospice and at the Neil Cliffe Centre, which has helped thousands of cancer patients.

Jacqui Kardos, Neil's daughter, said: "My dad was a marvellous husband to my mum Joan for 66 years, they had a marriage to marvel.

"He was the most amazing father, a wonderful man that I will miss beyond words. He gave unconditional, unfaltering support and care to his family.

"As a grandfather to my boys Alexander and Christopher he gave love and his awesome wisdom to help them progress in life. A profound role model for them both.

"Neil was so much to so many, a brilliant friend, a counsellor when required, always a shoulder for those in need, and he spent so many years raising the profile for cancer charities, especially the centre that holds his name and St Ann's Hospice."

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Neil was awarded a British Empire Medal from the Queen in 1985, was selected as a baton bearer in the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 and won a Pride of Manchester Award last year.

Friend Susie Mathis added: "I met Neil when I was presenting and he was running the Piccadilly Marathon 1982. I helped his fundraising efforts and he has been my rock ever since.

"He leaves a hole that can never be filled. Neil was unique."