HAPTON man Peter Watson made a generous donation to the hospital that saved his life.

Mr Watson, 61 and his wife Carol, 60 celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary on March 16 and invited family and friends to make a donation to the Lancashire Cardiac Centre at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, rather than buying them gifts.

In 1999 Mr Watson underwent triple heart bypass surgery following a heart attack during a round of golf. And he is grateful to all the staff who were involved in his treatment.

"I am only still around today thanks to the skill and dedication of the staff at Blackpool Victoria Hospital," he said.

"The cardiac team do a fantastic job and my wife and I thought that donating money in lieu of receiv-ng our anniversary gifts was a great way to express our gratitude."

The £52m Lancashire Cardiac Centre opened at Victoria Hospital in 2006 and provides state-of-the-art care for patients with heart and lung difficulties.

Paul Bailey, head of fundraising at the centre said: "We are very grateful for this donation by Peter and Carole Watson.

"Fundrasing contributions really do make a big difference to the service that we are able to provide for our patients."