A CHORLEY mum-of-two is fighting fit for the first time in 15 years following pioneering keyhole surgery.

Judith Worthington from Eccleston, who suffered from dangerously high blood pressure for years, was diagnosed as having a rare tumour in her adrenal gland which upset her body's chemical balance.

Without surgery to remove the gland, soaring blood pressure would have meant a lifetime of drug treatment for the 37-year-old to avoid heart strain.

Judith dreaded the thought of a complex operation followed by a week in hospital, a long recovery period and an ugly scar.

But thanks to Royal Preston Hospital surgeon Alan Hearn, she was at home within 48 hours with only a few nicks to show.

She said: "I'm delighted. I'm cycling and walking again and I'm even back at keep fit classes.

"My blood pressure's completely normal now."

Mr Hearn said: "I've done a lot of keyhole surgery, mostly for gall bladder removal.

"When I saw Judith I suggested this method. The benefits to patients are enormous in terms of quicker recovery and less time in hospital."

Judith's operation is believed to be the first of its kind in the North West.

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