MARINA Dalglish leads the Merseyside New Year honours announced today.

People from across the teaching, medical and voluntary sectors have been recognised with CBEs and MBEs with Dr Paul Logan, from the Department for Work and Pensions, picking up the region’s only OBE.

Bryan Gray MBE, chairman of the North West Regional Development Agency was also awarded a CBE alongside Liverpool’s Finlay McMillan Scott, chief executive of the General Medical Council.

The honour for Mrs Dalglish comes five years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The wife of footballing legend Kenny, Marina said she was absolutely delighted by the honour which had taken her by surprise.

Next month, the Queen will present her award for services to breast cancer patients in Merseyside.

Diagnosed in 2003, the mother- of-four underwent an operation and months of chemotherapy at Clatterbridge Hospital before beating the disease and launching a cancer charity in her name.

After more than three years of devout fundraising a new £2m chemotherapy centre for Merseyside was opened at University Hospital Aintree.

Speaking yesterday, Mrs Dalglish said: “It’s amazing how something bad can turn into something good. Who’d have ever thought that having cancer would lead to the opening of a new unit.

“I’m absolutely delighted, but this honour is not just for me, though the charity’s in my name, this MBE is for everyone whose helped over the past four years.

“It started off as a ‘wee’ charity that’s grown because of everyone’s support.”

Kenny added: “We wanted to show our appreciation for the fantastic care Marina got in hospital five years ago.

“The people of Merseyside put their hands in their pockets and they have a centre they can be proud of.

“And if they need to use it they can be treated in comfortable surroundings.”