A FATHER-of-three who lost his battle to asbestos cancer has become one of the first mesothelioma victims to donate his body to medical research.

Proud loved ones of John Burgess have paid tribute to the popular Harwood newsagent, who died on October 10, aged 80.

Now Mr Burgess’s body will be used to train the next generation of doctors and nurses at The University of Manchester.

His son Ian Burgess said: “We knew how important it was to my dad to donate his body to medical research and we are all extremely proud of him.

“We have managed to fulfil his dying wish and that is the most important thing.

“My dad died at home surrounded by all of his family and thankfully without any pain.”

Mr Burgess, known as Jack to friends and family, was diagnosed with Mesothelioma — a type of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos — in November 2011.

Up until his diagnosis, Mr Burgess had no idea he had the cancer, which had been latent for 60 years.

He had been exposed to the dangerous fibres during his first apprenticeship working with electrical equipment in 1949.

Doctors gave Mr Burgess between eight months and three years to live but he managed to carry on almost symptom free until May this year.

Gradually he started to lose the ability to breathe and relied on round the clock care from family and friends.

Yet even on his death bed, he remained passionate about raising awareness of mesothelioma and the devastating effect on victim’s lives.

His daughter Lynn Howarth said: “My dad never complained, even when he was very ill.

“It sounds strange but in some ways he was lucky because many people with mesothelioma die within six months of diagnosis and suffer in terrible pain.

“My dad wasn’t in pain and managed to keep a smile on his face to the very end.

“He was a kind, fun loving and sociable man who had been hard-working all of his life.”

Donating mesothelioma victims’ bodies to research is a challenging task because the illness demands a post-mortem and inquest.

Mr Burgess’ family managed to negotiate with the coroner, police and doctors to record his death as quickly as possible to ensure his body could be sent to The University of Manchester.

His body will now benefit dental and medical students.

Mr Stephen Lindsay-Smith, bequeathals manager at The University of Manchester, said: “This was a selfless act from a public spirited man.

“The university students and academics are extremely grateful to Mr Burgess and his family for the bequeathal.”

Mrs Howarth added: “We are so pleased we managed to fulfil his final wish. We want to thank the police, coroner, carers and nurses who helped my father.”

Mr Burgess, who used to run Leagate News in Harwood with his wife Enid, leaves behind his three children, Steven, Lynn and Ian, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

A memorial service for Mr Burgess will take place at noon on Thursday at St. Maxentius Church in Bradshaw.

The family have requested donations are made to Bolton Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support or Mesothelioma UK.