HEART transplant patient Bernard Dunleavy was given a new lease of life after his transplant operation five years ago.

After a series of heart attacks and a six-month wait, he finally received his life-saving operation at Wythenshaw hospital in Manchester.

"I had no other option than to have the operation. It was a question of survival," explained the 62-year-old former business studies lecturer.

"There is no way that I would be here today if it was not for the operation."

Mr Dunleavy of Northfield Road, Bury, emphasised the importance of donors as he remembered his own donor.

"I will never forget the sacrifice that has been made to give me life," he said.

Mr Dunleavy, Wythenshaw's 189th transplant recipient, was given a new heart in April 1993 belonging to an 18-year old girl who died of a brain tumour.

"It must have been a terrible ordeal for the family. I think of their heartache and always remember the donor and her relatives. I am very grateful. It makes you realise how wonderful some people really are."

Mr Dunleavy said his donor was not actually carrying a card but permission from the family allowed her heart to be donated.

He has never met his donor's family but passed on a letter of thanks through the hospital authorities.

"It is vital that we get more donors as a there is a real shortage at the moment. A donor saved my life and so many more could be saved if we had more donors."

Mr Dunleavy said over a third of the patients on the waiting list die before a suitable donor is found.

He is now celebrating the fifth anniversary of his transplant and is enjoying his life to the full.

"It is amazing the difference the operation has made to my life," said Mr Dunleavy "I can now enjoy each day as it comes with my family and four grandchildren and just be thankful that I am still alive."

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