I RECENTLY suffered a heart attack and subsequently underwent a triple heart bypass at the James Cook University Hospital.

It was a very difficult time for me and for my family both physically and emotionally. However the skill and care I received in the JCUH cardiac dept. was exceptional.

My seven inch chest scar is a constant reminder of how many people worked very hard to keep me alive and how fortunate I am to live in an area with the best coronary care facility in the UK.

We all die…but we don’t all get another chance to live.

I feel very humbled by everything that was done for me and have decided to give something back.

The South Cleveland Heart Fund is a local charity supporting the JCUH and I have decided to help in their fundraising activities by aiming producing a calendar with male and female models young and old …showing the scars we all proudly wear and getting on with everyday working life. The aim is to raise funds, plus to show that there is life after major heart surgery.

If you have undergone heart surgery and would proudly show your scar in our calendar then please contact me via HAS. Please take the time to visit the fund web site at: www.schf.org.uk for information on how the fund works for everyone in our area.

Archie Currie, Middlesbrough