Lung centre 'extended father's life'

FAMILY MAN . . . George Burston (second left) with sons Nigel and Chris and wife Joy

A FAMILY paid tribute and thanked Wythenshawe lung centre for the support provided to an ex-parish councillor who died last week.

Former Saddleworth Parish Councillor George Burston died last Thursday at Royal Preston Hospital after a eight-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis ­- a scarring of the lungs which has no cure.

His son, Chris Burston, paid tribute to his father and thanked the Wyhthenshawe Lung Centre who helped give him eight years of quality life.

As well as a parish councillor in the 90s, George served the borough as a governor of Springhead Infants and Knowsley Junior Schools and as a community health councillor.

Born in Hollinwood on June 27 1939, George was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his wife Joy, sons Chris and Nigel and five grandchildren James, William, Tia, Hannah and Charlotte.

Up until February this year, when he moved to Chorley, George was an avid Latics fan and helped out as a steward on the coaches for the fans travelling to away days as well as attending the games.

On retirement he took the opportunity to travel regularly and saw the world on cruises, but it was visits to Center Parcs with the family that Chris said was the highlight of his social agenda.

Chris said: "Thanks to Wythenshawe Lung Centre he had eight years of quality life which we are very grateful for."

He said: "He was so proud to be able to serve with the council, he was absolutely honoured. He was very proud of his roots in Oldham and did whatever he could to give back.

"He's touched upon so many people's lives and was a wonderful father to myself and Nigel, we loved him to bits."

Chris added: "We would be on holiday anywhere in the world and people would come up to him and say hello because they recognised him. He was a very family orientated man. A much loved father, grandfather and husband who will be sorely miss but will be remembered always."

The family urged people to give donations to Wythenshawe Lung Centre who supported George with his condition.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at uhsm.nhs.uk/about/our-charities/charitable-fund.