A Midlands journalist who underwent a double lung transplant has told how he has been diagnosed with chronic rejection – just days after returning to work full-time.

Cystic Fibrosis sufferer Mark Allen had the life-saving transplant 15 months ago, having been forced to put his life on hold for almost two years.

And the former Express & Star and Staffordshire Newsletter journalist has now been appointed as a press officer for Halton Council in Widnes.

However, he has now been told by doctors that his body has begun to reject his lungs, and faces more tests so that they can decide on the best form of treatment.

Mark, (35), said: “It is the worst possible timing when I am just starting a new job.

“But it is one of those things and I just hope it doesn’t affect me too much.”

Mark underwent more than 30 operations after being struck down by pneumonia, leading to him needing a transplant, and during the past 18 months has gradually been getting back to normality, doing some freelance writing and working part-time as a press officer for Walsall Council.

Earlier this month he moved 80 miles from his Staffordshire home to Widnes, and is enjoying work as a “poacher turned gamekeeper”.

In his new role he is helping to publicise the work of Halton Council, writing press releases and writing for its magazine.

He said: “I am enjoying working in Halton as it is an authority which seems to be really going places.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the area, the local media and the community in the coming months.”

Last year Mark also appeared in a local version of Big Brother, and spent five-days living in a glass house in Cannock town centre.