A PROUD dad will walk his daughter down the aisle this month thanks to a life-saving heart transplant.

Former seaman John Burrows, of Grenville Avenue, St Annes, will be celebrating twofold with the tenth anniversary of his operation falling at the same time as the wedding.

The 58-year-old dad was given a second chance at life, being the lucky recipient of a heart donor at Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester and hasn't looked back since.

Appreciative John said: "It will be the most wonderful bonus. Had it not been for my transplant, I might never have had the chance to give my daughter away.

"In quiet moments, I often think how things might have been if I had not been given a new heart and my daughter's forthcoming marriage has really brought that home to me."

Daughter Vicki, who works for a school book company, is marrying local electrician, Peter Lockwood at St Annes Parish Church on June 27.

The reception for more than 100 guests will be held at the Fernlea Hotel on the resort's promenade.

Afterwards, the couple will fly to Paris for their honeymoon.

John, who suffered the first of a number of heart attacks when he was in the Merchant Navy, intends to ensure that the day will belong entirely to Vicki, but says he won't forget a special thank-you for the anonymous donor and the hospital's medical nursing team who gave him the chance to witness the happy event.

"I don't want to make heavy weather of it but I certainly want to drive home the point that I might not have been around to give my daughter away had I not had the transplant," he said.

After 22 years in the Royal Navy and five in the Merchant Navy, John was forced to retire for health reasons.

Now, he enjoys touring the country with his wife Rene and feels lucky to be alive, as he said: "I also enjoy looking after the garden, DIY jobs around the house and taking my dog for a walk."

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