SIR: My wife receives regular cuttings from a friend of school-days. When I read the cutting of the impending closing of the Bolton Royal Infirmary, memories come flooding back to me of the day January 8, 1948 when I was rushed into the hospital, needing urgent attention after being involved in a football accident, while playing for Little Lever AFC. It was a dreadful day, weatherwise, windy and heavy rain.

I was 22 years of age, still adjusting to civilian life, after service in the navy. My ambition was to play for Bolton Wanderers and, in fact, I was due to have a trial in three weeks time. I was shattered to learn, much later, the extent of my injury - the loss of my right kidney - and, of course, the end of my footballing dream.

However, I eventually picked up my life, married and was later promoted in my job and transferred to Blackpool. Now retired, I enjoy my life, walking on the fells, going to yoga and also involved in voluntary work at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

I shall always remember the dedication of the doctors and nurses.

'Bolton Royal' will always have a special place in my thoughts for giving me the chance to continue, the most precious thing I have - my life.

Stanley Collings

Knowle Avenue

Blackpool North Shore

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