A SANDBACH woman has discovered a hidden talent after undergoing a life-saving heart operation.

Joan Blythe, of Bradwall Road, was diagnosed with heart disease last year at the age of 49.

She underwent a triple heart by-pass operation in August 1998 and was forced to give up her thriving antiques business.

However while recuperating she began to dabble in therapeutic water colour painting for the first time in her life.

With the support of her husband Michael she portrayed wild and cultivated flowers, some taken from the couple's own garden.

She soon realised she had a real talent for this art form and surprised many friends who were eager to own an original.

Now she has her own paintings displayed in Sandbach Library until August 27.

"When I had my by-pass I decided I needed something more relaxing to do," said Mrs Blythe.

"It seems I have quite a lot of artistic talent which I didn't know I had. I've never been to art school but I think I've amazed my friends.

"When the heart disease was diagnosed I was told it was genetic and I had to accept it.

" I tried not to think too much about the operation beforehand and that was 12 months ago on August 3.

"As I say to my friends you have to make the most of life and live it to the full, time is running out for all of us."

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