A GRATEFUL Workington man has raised funds for the hospital that saved his life by organising two charity music nights.

Malcolm Kelley, 79 of Fell View Walk has raised over £1100 for the South Cleveland Heart Fund, which supports the James Cook Hospital.

A cheque was presented to consultant cardiac surgeon Simon Kendall at the hospital on Monday February 3.

“He was delighted with the amount raised” said Mr Kelley.

Mr Kelley was admitted to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough on February 24 2019 for planned Mitral and Tricuspid valve repair.

However, there were complications and doctor’s had to fight for Mr Kelley’s life for hours.

“My life was saved by the staff” he said.

And he hailed the efforts of his surgeon, Mr Kendall: “He was very down to earth and approachable.”

“My wife Margaret told me Mr Kendall didn’t leave the hospital until 2am.”

He was later moved to the High Dependency Unit and discharged on April 1 with the aid of a zimmer frame.

“For the life saving efforts of all the staff, I thought words were pretty inadequate so I decided to try and do something practical to show the gratitude of myself, Margaret, family and friends.

Two charity entertainment nights in 2019 were held The Railway Club in Workington.

Tickets were sold at £3 with raffles, bingo and collection buckets taking the sum up to £1130.

The club hosted musical entertainment for the guests with performances from local talent such as Paul Johnstone who performed iconic Elvis tracks, Ronnie Vaughan and more.

Mr Kelley said: “I am indebted to the club and the artists who took part and the generous people who supported us.”

Mr Kelley added that the night was also to raise awareness: “A large proportion of cardiac patients are referred to James Cook.”