DAVID SHEPPARD, the former Bishop of Liverpool, has been admitted to a hospice in Wirral.

He was diagnosed with bowel cancer three and a half years ago and has had multiple operations to get rid of the disease.

But now the Right Reverend David Sheppard has been taken to the hospice in Higher Bebington for check-ups and specialist care.

A spokesman for the former Bishop and England cricketer said he was admitted on Wednesday "for assessment and symptom relief" and is "expected to be there for a short stay".

His wife, Grace, said: "He is in good spirits and he is greatly looking forward to a visit from four cricketing colleagues from the Sussex 1953 cricket team next week."

He established a formidable partnership with Liverpool's late Roman Catholic Archbishop Derek Worlock during the 1980s and 1990s. In 1995 the pair were jointly awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool.

He came out of retirement last month to give one final sermon at the Pause For Hope ceremony to pray for those with cancer and those who help to treat the disease.

At the service Bishop David listed the people who have helped him, saying: "I come to express how thankful I am for the skill and care of so many: doctors, surgeons, nurses, Macmillan nurses, district nurses, researchers, administrators, secretaries, and those who make sure we arrive at the right moment for the appointment; maintenance engineers who keep the machines working, phlebotomists who take the blood (I've seen a great deal of them!), cleaners and porters - oh and many more.

"This great team so often goes the second mile.

"Last, but not least, I thank my own family, friends and neighbours who are there day after day providing love and practical care through all the ups and downs. So thank you all.

"I also thank God for the gift of life that has become so much more precious these days. It is worth fighting for."

He also shared the story of his wife, Grace's illness 40 years ago.

Bishop David added to the congregation at last month's service: "More than 40 years ago, Grace, my wife, was suffering from ovarian cancer in the London Hospital.

"One of the cleaners brought her a message from an older friend saying that she too was a patient in the hospital. Messages went to and fro.

"Grace told her that she was anxious that our daughter, who was only three, might grow up without a mother.

"Elisabeth, the friend, told her that her daughter was small when she first had cancer and was now grown up with her own family.

"Now my wife is in full health, is caring for me and our daughter has two boys of her own. These moments when we pause for hope and share it can bring great encouragement."

In 1994, the then Bishop of Liverpool, David Sheppard, performed a history-making service of ordination for 28 women, who had been working as deacons in parishes in the Diocese of Liverpool.

Lord Sheppard was Liverpool's Anglican bishop for 22 years, the longest serving in the country.

clareusher@dailypost.co.uk