A SELFLESS Widnes couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary by thinking of cancer patients.

Instead of presents, Avril and Arthur Lloyd asked family and friends to make donations to Halton Haven.

At a special celebration in St Basil’s club they collected £1,565 for the hospice in Murdishaw, Runcorn, which relies on the community for half its income.

Avril, 79, of Marlborough Crescent, said: “After 60 years of marriage we don’t want any more teapots, tablecloths or coasters.

“When I retired I did volunteer work at the hospice for five years.

“I saw the good work they did.

“A couple of our relatives have been looked after there. It is a wonderful place.”

Mum-of-two Avril taught at Fairfield Infants School on Peel House Lane where she herself was a pupil.

“We were overjoyed to raise so much money for the hospice,” said Avril, who sings with the Harts and Voices choir.

“We would like to say a special thank you to our children Vicki and her husband Mark and Steven and his wife Julie.”

Avril and Arthur, who used to work at Ford’s, got married at St Paul’s Church on Victoria Square.

Chris Andrews, community fundraising manager at the hospice, said: “This is such a selfless gesture from Arthur and Avril. How generous that they chose to think of the haven on their special occasion.

“We would like to thank them both for their kindness and also to all their friends and family who made donations towards the hospice. We are incredibly grateful.”

Halton Haven has 12 in-patient beds and provides a day hospice for 48 people every week.

The hospice has cared for thousands of people since it was founded 33 years ago.