Back in the good old days of early 1999 I had my own business, enjoyed good health and was very active in local sport. I was secretary of Percy Main Amateurs FC and chairman of Tyne Boys Club in Tynemouth.   

My life took an unexpected twist on the night of 11th May 1999.   I was settling down to watch Blackburn Rovers play Man Utd (Brian Kidd v Alex Ferguson).  If Blackburn failed to beat Man Utd they would be relegated.   I did not see the start of the match on Sky TV, I suffered a heart attack in the warm up.   I did watch the end of the second half - from the intensive care unit at North Tyneside hospital.   I think it was a draw and Rovers were relegated.

The next twelve weeks proved to be quite eventful.   At first I seemed to be making good progress and was looking forward to going back to work.   It did not quite work out like that and after a somewhat traumatic four weeks (about which I know nothing) I awoke to be told by the medical team at the Freeman Hospital that my new heart appeared to be beating OK.   After one or two fine adjustments and a 'boat load' of tablets I went home to start my 'new life'.

At this point I should tell you that my wife Christine throughout this period experienced every emotion from the lowest  to the highest it is possible to go through, and came through it all relatively unscathed.   I have not got the vocabulary  to say how much admiration I have for her.  

This year, 2008, we shall celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary and all being well, touch wood and all that, we will be in Bowral*, Australia with the Great Britain Transplant Cricket Club to celebrate.

*Bowral is south of Sydney and is famous for being Sir Donald Bradman's home ground.   We are scheduled to play a ODI against the Aussies in October.