A CRUSADING cancer champion who founded Halton Haven has been honoured as one of Runcorn’s most famous sons.

Dad-of-two Dom Valdez vowed to open a hospice as he prayed in Lourdes for his wife Lin’s recovery from a serious illness.

A blue plaque honouring his vision was unveiled on what would have been Dom’s 76th birthday on Friday at the hospice’s annual light up a life service.

Stuart Allen, heritage plaque campaigner, said: "Dom was a truly inspirational man who we should all feel proud of.

"He was supported in his hospice work by his devoted wife Lin and sons Stuart and Martin.

“Shaun Pollard, chief executive of the hospice and I both agreed that Dom is in danger of being forgotten, particularly by younger people.

"A lot of people who I spoke with about Dom told me that he was a very self-effacing man so I hope he would not be embarrassed by this plaque in his honour.

"The hospice is a credit to the town and the fact that it continues to survive is a testament to the great generosity of local people."

Dom worked as school caretaker and dedicated his life to raising funds to make his dream come true.

His vision began as one room and now offers tender loving care for in-patients and a day hospice.

Dom’s indomitable spirit saw him survive three heart attacks and cancer.

Dom was honoured by the Queen in 1992 when he received the British Empire Medal.

Sadly, Dom died at his Palacefields home in March 1999, aged 59, weeks after asking The World to launch an appeal which raised more than £13,000.

Thousands of people and their families have been supported by the hospice since it opened 33 years ago.

Mr Pollard said: "We were delighted to be approached by Runcorn and District Historical Society with the idea of having a blue plaque to commemorate our founder Dom Valdez.

"It's great to be able to celebrate our roots and this is a perfect way to do it."