A GRATEFUL patient who underwent a life-saving heart operation will be taking part in the Bournemouth Bay Run on April 1 after losing 18 kilos in weight and taking up running.

Stephen Morris, 51, of Bournemouth, was born with aortic stenosis, in which the aortic valve does not open fully, reducing blood flow from the heart.

In 2009 his health deteriorated sharply and he underwent open heart surgery to replace his aortic valve.

A year after the operation, his cardiologist told him he needed to lose weight to improve his health and help his heart.

Stephen said: “After undergoing a major life-saving operation, I didn’t want to abuse all the hard work the heart specialists had done for me, so I listened to the advice and took action.

“I watched what I ate and went out running and in eight months I’ve lost 18 kilos – far more than I was told to, but I’ve made an enormous difference to my life, my health and my fitness.

“I cannot thank enough the people who saved my life, and made me turn it around, so I’m taking part in the Bournemouth Bay Run to raise as much money as possible for the British Heart Foundation.”

Andy Coles, regional events organiser for the BHF, said: “Without people like Stephen, we wouldn’t be able to continue our life saving work.

“We’re really grateful to him and the other participants for taking part in the Bournemouth Bay Run and wish them well in training and in generating support from friends and family .”

Anyone wishing to support Stephen can do so by visiting justgiving.com/Stephen-Morris4 or donating direct to the BHF on 0800 169 3672.