George sings from the heart

For George Boulton, from Willow Avenue, Newton, has enjoyed a new lease of life since 1996 when he underwent a triple heart bypass operation at Broad Green Hospital's Cardiothoracic Centre. And the charity concert is his chance to give something back to the centre by raising money for their Merseybeat Appeal to fund research into the disease which is this country's biggest killer. Grandfather of three, George (58) told the Star: "I had a condition called isemetic heart disease and suffered two heart attacks; in 1986 and 1993, and my doctor told me a third would kill me. I was also finding it difficult to continue with the choir, which I have been a member of since 1988. Both the singing and the touring were starting to exhaust me."

Fearing he may have to leave the choir, George realised that a triple bypass was his only answer. The operation was performed in 1996 by Elaine Griffiths, who made history as the country's first female cardiothoracic surgeon and George, who has two children, added: "Elaine was marvellous. She even took the trouble to telephone my wife, Christine, in person after the operation to let her know how I was. I can't imagine any other top surgeon doing that and it is these little personal touches that made the hospital mean so much to me. I own them my life and I can't thank them enough. That is why I feel so proud to be singing this charity concert in aid of the Cardiothoracic Centre's Merseybeat Appeal."

Haydock Male Voice Choir are in concert at St Helens Parish Church from 7.30pm this Saturday, June 17 and all the money raised will be used to help fund research for the centre, which treats heart disease sufferers from Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man.

Tickets cost just £3 each and can be bought on the door or in advance from the Merseybeat Appeal fundraising office on 0151 293 2209/2226.