Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, is to name a ward after Jim Quick who died suddenly aged 53 two days after the 13th anniversary of his heart transplant there.

Mr Quick retired in July 1999 as director of public relations at the Quicks Group, the family company. He was the after dinner speaker at last year's Automotive Management Awards – his 'fee' was a donation to the hospital's New Heart-New Start Appeal.

Appeal manager Ann Stuart paid tribute to Mr Quick who had been chairman of the appeal committee for five years. She said the hospital would have a 16-bed Jim Quick Ward.

“He was the supreme ambassador for the appeal,” she said. “After his transplant, Jim worked tirelessly to help others have the same chance of a new lease of life that he was given.”

A Quicks Group spokesman said Mr Quick was regarded throughout the business with affection and respect. Mr Quick leaves a widow, Elaine, and two children – Andrew (a banker) and Sarah (an actress).