PLUCKY Walter Gill is refusing to let his age prevent him from living life to the full.

Mr Gill is 67 and is looking forward to competing in next month's British Transplant Games as a member of the team of heart transplant recipients from Manchester's Wythenshawe Hospital.

He celebrates the 6th anniversary of his new heart on Saturday and is due to take part in the golf, shot putt and bowls events, which are being held in the Wirral from July 10 to July 13.

"When I think how ill I was six years ago I can't believe I shall be there. I certainly have a lot to thank Wythenshawe for."

A former physical education instructor Mr Gill became seriously ill with heart disease shortly after retiring in 1989 and was eventually told the only chance of saving him was a replacement organ.

Since the operation he has taken up umpiring for the Bolton Cricket League and has become a regular player at Dunscar Golf Club.

But before he gets into serious training for the Transplant Games Mr Gill is looking forward to celebrating his heart swap anniversary with his four daughters and nine grandchildren.

The Heart Transplant appeal is currently setting its sights on its Mission 2000 fund-raising target, to raise £250,000 a year for operations over and above those funded by the Government and to develop a dedicated transplant research programme.

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