[Margaret Pilkington]

Now I am sure that many of you out there are asking 'who on earth was Merton Seigleman?'
I am pretty sure that this man touched many of your lives, directly...or indirectly.
He was a visionary....his vision was to ensure that those who had cancer or incurable illness and pain were cared for...and it's because of his vision that we have a wonderful local hospice.
I first met Dr Seigleman(for that was how I knew him) as a young and green Student Nurse working on Ward 4 at Blackburn Royal infirmary in the early 70's
He was a very accomplished 'gas man' an anaesthetist....the man who safely puts you to sleep before an operation, so that you feel no pain.

He was a great teacher and always found time to educate the students(both Doctors and nurses)....but I was always in awe of him.

He was instrumental in raising 700,000 pounds to build the hospice....and he remained a driving force for many many years.

It is because of him and the team he built, that those who had a short hold on life, had the care they needed and dignity in the end of their life.
So if you have had a friend or relative who has been on the receiving end of this kind of care....it is this man who can be thanked.

Merton Seigleman died in Manchester last week at the age of 96.
Rest in Peace, you were a true gentleman...God Bless.