THE widow of the former Bishop of Liverpool last night revealed she was again diagnosed with cancer.

Grace Sheppard has undergone tests and treatment in hospital, having survived the disease twice before.

But the widow of one of the key figures in Liverpool’s recent history, the Right Reverend Lord Sheppard, is being very positive.

She said: “If you can believe it, I feel and look very well. I am at peace and comfortable.”

Mrs Sheppard is the author of three books, including the recently published Living With Dying, her own story of caring for her late husband.

The 75-year-old, who in retirement has lived in West Kirby, said: “Perhaps writing my latest book was part of my preparation for this next lap in life’s journey.

“Having shared my experience, I am now living it myself again, and finding I have been given the strength to fight it with the wonderful support of family and friends.”

The Bishops of Liverpool and Birkenhead last night asked people to “uphold Grace in their prayers”.

Lord Sheppard, a former England cricket captain, died the day before what would have been his 76th birthday, in March, 2005.