A GREAT-grandmother is recovering at home after undergoing a gruelling eight-hour operation to replace two heart valves.

Mary Alberts, 62 (pictured) waited more than seven months for the high-risk operation at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, despite being told she was an urgent case.

Her case was highlighted in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in May when she said she feared she would die before she reached the top of the list as her heart was so enlarged.

Mary, of Hamilton Street, Blackburn, was finally called for treatment at the end of June. She was allowed home earlier this month but contracted pneumonia within days and was rushed back to Queen's Park Hospital for another two weeks.

She said: "My doctor was very pleased with the operation but he says it may take another year before it shows good results and even then I may get breathless."

Mary, who has three children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, has previously had heart and lung surgery as a result of childhood rheumatic fever.

She said: "I'm glad the worst is over now and I've just got to get through this period until I'm better.

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped me. The nurses at Queen's Park Hospital were especially wonderful."

Nigel Robinson, chief officer of the Community Health Council, said long delays were not uncommon for specialised operations. He said: "There is a national shortage of people who can perform such skilled operations."