It is more than 50 years since the first heart transplant was successfully carried out in Britain, but is a little known fact that it was a Leigh resident who went under the knife.
Frederick West, 45, received the organ in an operation led by South African surgeon Donal Ross at Marylebone’s National Heart Hospital in May 1968.
A team of 18 doctors and nurses required seven hours to complete the surgery after donor Patrick Ryan passed away following a building site fall.
The operation took place six months after the first heart transplant was carried out on Louis Washkansky in South Africa.
Fun and games - the Leigh resident was fit enough to play chess with nurses three weeks after the operation
However, Mr West – who had become the 10th person to undergo the procedure across the world – died 46 days after receiving the new organ.
More relaxing times - Frederick West and his wife Josephine in their Leigh bungalow before he headed into hospital
Cheeky - Frederick West winks at the camera at the National Heart Hospital
Looking for a beat - Frederick West checks his heart soon after undergoing the procedure in London
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United - Josephine West and son Michael awaiting the news of how Frederick's operation had gone
Positive - Josephine and Michael West after visiting Frederick at the National Heart Hospital
Sad ending - Frederick West sadly passed away 46 days after receiving the organ
Updating the world - Josephine and Michael West prepare to face the press after Frederick's operation
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