FAMILY and friends of a Hull police officer who died during an operation to remove one of his kidneys have pledged to carry on his fundraising to buy a new ultrasound scanner for Castle Hill Hospital.
Mike Clifford, 48, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in May.
He died during an operation to remove his kidney at Castle Hill Hospital just a month later.
Mike's sister, Joanne Nuttall said: "When Mike was diagnosed with cancer he told us he was keen to do something, when he got better, to raise £20,000 for an ultrasound piece of equipment at Castle Hill, which detects cancer.
"We want to carry out his wishes."
Mike, a father-of-four, was born in Hessle and grew up in the area. He attended Hull College before joining Humberside Police and later West Yorkshire Police.
He was also a Hull City season pass holder and following his death, his ashes were scattered at the KC Stadium.
Joanne, 46, said: "Mike has left a massive hole in many lives, not least his four children who loved him dearly.
"He was a very hands-on dad.
"We all miss him terribly and are still trying to come to terms with losing him so suddenly."
So far, family and friends have raised almost £5,000 from fundraising events.
His colleagues at West Yorkshire Police, Justin Twigg, Shelley Owens and Paul Rock, raised £500 by taking part in a 69-mile walk at Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria.
Joanne and Mike's youngest sister, Sarah Devonport, are also arranging a triathlon in their brother's memory.
Joanne said: "We have already been in touch with Haltemprice sports centre and we hope to make the triathlon a really big event and hold it around the time of Mike's birthday in July."
Mike's mother Margaret Clifford paid tribute to her son.
"Mike was a lovely person," she said.
"He was always there for us.
"We miss him terribly and want to carry on his wishes to raise enough money to buy the machine for Castle Hill Hospital."
An inquest into Mike's death is expected to take place later this year.
Football fan 'one of life's good guys'FRIENDS of Mike Clifford recently raised £2,000 by holding a charity football match at South Hunsley.
Organiser Brian Matson said: "I organised a charity 11-a-side game last year which Mike played in.
He loved football, played a lot when he was younger and was a huge Hull City fan.
"Mike was also a coach to Costello Rangers, leading them successfully into the Myton League.
"His son and mine played in that team for years. He was one of life's good guys."
Mike's colleagues also took part in the match.
Mr Matson said: "All players were over 35 years of age – and it certainly showed the next day for most, I could hardly walk."
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