A Blackburn Rovers season ticket holder who suffered from heart problems for 20 years has shared his story in the hope of inspiring other people.

Bob Gower was diagnosed with heart failure when he was approaching 50, in 2001, something he has now had to live with for more than 20 years. 

Bob is now sharing his story to help inspire others living with long-term health conditions ahead of World Heart Day on Sunday.

He said: “It obviously came as a real shock as I had been physically active up until then

“I have a serious family history of heart failure, so it didn’t come as a surprise, but it still doesn’t take away the shock of receiving the news.

“Initially post-diagnosis, I was on medication and I had to be careful but I was able to carry on playing football. I cycled a lot and went hill walking with my wife, but gradually my heart was getting weaker and I became more breathless, so I was limited in what I could do.

“By 2016 I was unable to do any form of physical activity and my heart wasn’t even able to keep my body’s vital organs functioning, and because of this rapid decline I was referred to Wythenshawe Hospital.

“I was told I needed a heart transplant and they are very hard to come by and at that point, I was too ill and wouldn’t have survived the operation.

“They installed a left ventricular device (LVAD) which is a pump that goes into the heart and assists the left ventricle to pump blood around the body.

“During the first year after surgery, I had to regain physical strength and start being active again.

"The services provided by Royal Blackburn Hospital were excellent, followed by expert support of the Refresh Team that helped me rebuild my body and my confidence in my own ability.”

Bob and fellow patients at Wythenshawe Hospital were given electric bikes so they could increase their physical activity.

He said: “Initially we started doing shorter rides and, over the years, we have increased as we have rebuilt our strength, fitness and confidence.

“Having an electric bike has been an absolute lifesaver for me and my fellow patients who are part of ‘The Electric Cranks’ cycling group from Wythenshawe.

"We couldn’t have done what we’ve done without them. We would have struggled on an orthodox bike and with this, we can ride up big hills which is a fantastic feeling.

Bob’s story caught the attention of the ‘We Are Undefeatable in Blackburn with Darwen’ campaign team, which aims to support people living with a range of long-term health conditions to be active in a way that works for them.

The national ‘We Are Undefeatable’ is developed by 15 leading health and social care charities and backed by expertise insight and significant National Lottery funding from Sport England.  

The campaign is supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council and a range of other organisations, many who work closely with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.

Bob added: “Blackburn Rovers is an important part of my life, my son is also a season ticket holder and between us we’ve clocked up over 1,000 games following Rovers home and away.

“I’m really impressed at the work that Blackburn Rovers does in the community and the way they reach out to a whole range of people to help them with their personal and collective needs.

“I’m proud to be a supporter of Blackburn Rovers for those reasons.”