A GROUP that helps recovering cardiac patients has received almost £10,000 from Corus.

The Corus Teesside Works Employees Charity Funds, formerly part of British Steel, has donated the money, through its voluntary payroll scheme, to the Take Heart Support Group, since the group was founded in 1994.

Former British Steel worker Dave Proctor, 57, from Potto, used to donate money to the group, then in 1993, he had a heart attack and has been a regular member of Take Heart since February 1994.

Another former British Steel worker, Maurice Toase, 77, from Redcar, had a heart attack and triple by-pass operation in 1996. In 2002, he hada coronary artery replaced and soon afterwards had to have a heart valve fitted.

He said: "Without Take Heart I would not have retained the strength to cope with the second and third operations.

"My doctor is surprised at my recovery and I am now using all the various equipment and enjoying the social support of the Redcar Take Heart Group."

For details of times and venues, call (01642) 472793.