A STOURPORT pensioner who suffered 10 heart attacks and lived in fear, minute by minute, has finally had a lifesaving heart bypass operation.

Brian Garbett, of Lombard Street, who suffered a string of heart attacks before Christmas, had a biventricular operation last month after 19 years of pain and discomfort.

Mr Garbett, 67, secured funding from Wyre Forest Primary Care Trust in December but after suffering eight earlier heart attacks and two in January, he feared he might not live to have the operation.

His worries were allayed, however, when he was taken into Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, for the delicate 90-minute operation on Friday, January 20.

The keen fisherman said: "I'm just relieved to have finally had the operation. I feel as though I've been given a second chance and I intend to live life to the full."

Mr Garbett had his first heart attack in 1987. In the three years that followed, he suffered five heart attacks and two "silent" ones - which occurred without any warning symptoms - the year after his heart bypass operation in 1991.

In May last year, he fell ill two days before a planned fishing trip to Alaska, when he was diagnosed with an enlarged liver and had problems with his kidneys.

A cardiologist said his heart condition was putting a strain on his other organs and recommended the biventricular operation.

He then suffered another heart attack on Boxing Day and a further two in January before his operation.

Mr Garbett, who is now recovering at home, will continue to have regular check-ups. The Bewdley Angling Club member is keen to take up his favourite pastime of fishing as soon as he is well again.

He added: "At the moment, I have to stay upstairs and rest but, already, I feel different.

"My breathing isn't as heavy as it was before and I have had no pain in my chest so far.

"I've been told that the battery should last eight to 10 years. I'm just eager to pick myself up and get well again."