DISTRICT nurses can provide even better care for patients at home thanks to the generosity of a Darlington widower.

Bryan Lincoln's wife, Shirley, died last year aged 72, after a 30-year-long battle with cancer.

Instead of flowers at her funeral, the retired farmer asked for donations.

With the cash, he paid for vital equipment for Darlington's district and Macmillan nursing teams.

Mr Lincoln said: "Shirley developed breast cancer 30 years ago and, while we thought we had got it, there must have been one cell left.

"We discovered there was something wrong in December 2001 and it developed into an inoperable tumour in her lung.

"For the next two years, she was looked after by the district and Macmillan nurses and, towards the end, needed a suction machine to aid her breathing.

"After she died, we suggested buying one for the nurses to use."

Lynda Ramsay, Darlington Primary Care Trust district nursing sister, said: "We try and keep people out of hospital nowadays and in their own homes. This means the suction machines are more in demand and having another is going to be great. It really makes a difference to the patients."