AN 81-year-old grandfather who had a triple heart bypass just two years ago is diving in at the deep end — to do a 10k charity swim.

Grandfather Jack Houghton is donning his swimming shorts to raise funds for a new scanner at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

While recovering the former Army corporal, of Lynthorpe Road, off Park Lee Road, Blackburn, attended a British Heart Foundation (BHF) cardiac rehabilitation course.

The experience left him determined to get involved with the charity’s work, and he has decided to take on a 10k swimming challenge at DW Sports and Fitness Centre in Haslingden Road.

His sponsorship will go to the BHF Heart of Blackburn appeal, which aims to raise £128,000 to fund a 3D Echocardiograph machine for East Lancashire.

Jack, who has 21 grandchildren with his wife Agnes, said: “I keep myself fit so the heart attack was a shock.

“I was sweaty and a bit out of breath. After it went away I was told I’d had a heart attack.

“I went in to have stents but I needed a triple bypass.

“They were brilliant at Blackpool and I wanted to put a bit back in.”

Jack worked as a motor mechanic and lorry driver after serving in Germany and the Middle East.

But his true passion was managing working men’s clubs, which he did for more than 40 years, juggling roles at Longshaw Unity, Orchard and Queens Park in Blackburn and Poplar in Accrington.

Retirement did not suit the ex-vice president of the National Union Of Club Stewards, and he now works part time at DW Sports, where he trains two to three times a week with the blessing of his doctor.

Jack is calling on other gym members and new recruits to join him in a sponsored gym or swim challenge in August.

It invites members to tackle 20 miles in the gym or take the plunge and swim 10k over 31 days.

He said: “Before my heart attack I thought I was as fit as a fiddle, but you really do not know what could happen.”

To get involved pick up an information pack and sponsor forms from the gym’s reception.

To find out more contact Barbara on 01772 641870 or email dunnb@bhf.org.uk