A HEART attack survivor and his wife turned their golden wedding anniversary party into a fundraiser for the unit that saved his life.

Doug Leak was admitted to Dorset County Hospital in 2009 following a heart attack and for a second time in 2010.

He ended up having a stent inserted and was told by doctors he was lucky to be alive.

Doug later had to undergo rehabilitation at Blandford Community Hospital.

The Blandford couple wanted to thank the cardiac team that looked after him and donated £1,000 from their 50th wedding anniversary party at the Brewery Visitor Centre in Blandford and an open house at their home for the ongoing care of cardiac patients.

Recalling his first heart attack three years ago, Doug said: “It felt as though an elephant was standing on my chest.”

Despite the pain Doug, who was visiting family in Liverpool at the time, waited until he returned to Dorset before contacting his GP.

Dr Tim Edwards, clinical director of cardiology at Dorset County Hospital , said: “It’s not something we would recommend.”

When he experienced chest pains again the following year Doug had learnt his lesson and got Myrtle to ring 999 straight away. After recovering, keen sportsman Doug was keen to give something back, specifically to Dr Edwards, cardiac rehab specialist nurse Susanna Merewether and their team at Dorset County Hospital .

Doug and Myrtle added £35 to the £965 in donations they had collected at their anniversary bash to hand over a nice round £1,000.

Doug said: “I have nothing but praise for the team which saved my life. We were determined that the money should go to the cardiac unit and not into general hospital or NHS funds and are grateful to Susanna for ensuring that was possible.”

Dr Edwards said the donation from Doug and Myrtle would be put towards providing an ECG monitor that would be used in the unit at Dorset County Hospital and at cardiac rehab units across the county.

He added: “We are very grateful on behalf of the department and all the patients who will benefit from it.”