A LATCHFORD man has been given a new lease of life after receiving a priceless Christmas gift - a new heart.

Father-of-two Wayne Carty, aged 40, suffered a heart attack and a stroke within the space of three weeks. Despite feeling breathless and suffering chest pain, he didn't link the symptoms to a heart problem and continued to carry on as normal. But when he felt deadness down his left hand side he knew something was wrong and was admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester where consultants discussed the prospect of a transplant.

Wayne said: "I'd been for tests at Warrington Hospital but this was the first time a transplant had been mentioned and it knocked me for six. I was put on the waiting list and sent home hoping they'd be able to do it sometime after Christmas."

But on Christmas Eve, Wayne received news from the hospital that a potential match had been found and was told to make his way over so he could be prepared for surgery.

Wayne said: "I couldn't believe it - we were just settling down for the night - we didn't think these things happened on Christmas Eve. When I came round on the ward I had this fantastic feeling, I just knew it had been a success. I was up and about within two days and just couldn't stop talking. I have a completely different outlook on life."

Now Wayne is determined to raise money for the New Heart, New Start Appeal at Wythenshawe Hospital and is even planning a parachute jump later in the year, while encouraging others to sign up as organ donors.

He said: "I have so much to thank everyone for - all the surgeons and staff on the Jim Quick Ward and everyone else involved - especially the donor family."