A former regional newspaper editor who suffered a heart attack two years ago is backing a campaign to raise awareness of cardiac conditions.

Alan Powell, 66, ex editor of the Sheffield Star and Telegraph, wants to helps raise awareness of heart conditions and cardiac treatment after experiencing the attack two years ago while on his way to work.

He is supporting initiatives in line with National Heart Month, including a Love Your Heart event to be held at the Northern General Hospital on Valentine’s Day.

Following his attack, Alan was rushed to hospital where he spent ten days in intensive care.  He eventually had to stand down from  his job at The Star following medical advice.

During his treatment he received a primary angioplasty – a procedure to insert a mesh stent in the coronary artery to increase blood flow to the heart.

Said Alan: “I have nothing but high praise for all of the staff, from the doctors and nurses to the support staff who were involved in my care and recovery.

“The event is the ideal opportunity for anyone who has any issues or are worried about their heart to get some information. People should not hesitate and they will be able to meet some of the best NHS workers in the UK.”

Last year over 500 permanent pacemakers and internal defibrillators were fitted at the Northern General and more than 1,600 angioplasty procedures were carried out .