THE family of a man whose life was saved by a mystery Good Samaritan jogger are desperate to find him so they can pass on their thanks.

The unknown man came to the rescue when 72-year-old Bill Starkie collapsed near the entrance to Leverhulme Park, in Blenheim Road, Breightmet.

The man, who was with another runner, flagged down a passing car to call for an ambulance and then gave Mr Starkie vital cardiac massage.

Paramedics rushed him to the Royal Bolton Hospital where he was put on a ventilator in intensive care. Doctors told his family that without the jogger's first aid, Mr Starkie would have died.

Two weeks after the heart attack, retired haulage contractor Mr Starkie is still in hospital.

His wife, June, aged 64, of Oakenbottom Road, Breightmet, said: "We would like to thank the runner. He saved Bill's life. My son has been contacting jogging clubs trying to find out who he is.

"We've managed to thank the man in the car who phoned for an ambulance because he left his name with the emergency services. We would really like to personally thank the jogger for his help. But for his quick action and his ability to resuscitate, the consultants told me that Bill would now be dead."

Retired accounts clerk Mrs Starkie said her husband is not expected to come out of hospital for some time.

The couple have three sons, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

If you are the mystery jogger who went to the rescue at 11.45am on Saturday, January 3, or know who he is, contact the Bolton Evening News on 01204 537270.