A retired businessman from Oldham left a legacy of almost £100,000 to The Christie charity following his death in February 2010.

Widower Kenneth Robishaw, 87, of Ambrose Crescent, Diggle, died earlier this year after moving to a care home a few months earlier. He also left a similar gift in his will to Dr Kershaw's Hospice.

Born and brought up in Mills Hills, Chadderton, Ken left school at 14 to become an apprentice electrical engineer. After the Second World War, Ken was made chief engineer at Ramsay Mill in Chadderton until the mid 1960s when he and a friend set up their own successful engineering business. He was married to wife Joan for more than 40 years who sadly died of cancer in 1992. They had no children.

Friend and neighbour, John Askew, said; "Ken was a private man with a kind and generous heart. The support and friendship of the local people and in particular the residents of Ambrose Crescent was something that Ken really valued and never forgot. As well as supporting the two charities he also left a small sum of money to the residents of Ambrose Crescent for a 'good night out'.

"In the late 1970s Ken and Joan moved to Ambrose Crescent in Diggle where they immediately felt at home. Married and devoted for over 40 years, he was devastated when Joan died of cancer in 1992, losing both his friend and soul mate.

"Over the last few years Ken's health too began to fail but he drew strength from and knew he could rely on the friends around him. He would play cribbage with myself and my wife Suzanne almost every week and although not a big drinker, he loved nothing more than to meet up with the 'Friday night crew' at The Hanging Gate in Diggle.

"Unfortunately for the final few months of his life Ken's failing health meant he was admitted to a care home in Oldham where he passed away on February 3rd 2010."

Legacy officer at The Christie charity, John Bremend, said; "We are so grateful to Mr Robishaw for this wonderful gesture. His gift to our charity will go towards helping to fund vital cancer research and extra services for cancer patients not just from Oldham but across the North West. Leaving a gift in your will - whatever the size - can make a real difference. Ken Robishaw leaves a real legacy for future generations to come."

Local estate agents and chartered surveyors Alan Kirkham tasked with selling Ken's house also kindly donated £250 to each charity from their fee.

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