Two hospital patients who were initially turned down for lifesaving operations are now recovering from successful surgery – thanks to a campaign by a regional daily.

HTFP reported earlier this year that the Coventry Telegraph stepped in after being told that the NHS would not fund pioneering treatment for Barbara Judge, 73, and Michael Wade, 61.

The pair both suffered aneurysms at the end of last year, which could burst at any moment, but were told they were too ill to undergo open surgery.

However they were told that a keyhole procedure to fit a small tube in their damaged arteries could save their lives.

The procedure, known as Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair, was not routinely carried out by NHS Coventry so their surgeon had to apply for extraordinary funding, which was refused by a panel.

But following the Telegraph’s campaign, the Department of Health wrote to regional NHS chiefs, resulting in NHS Coventry agreeing to pay for the operations, which were carried out at the Royal Free Hospital in London in May.

Great-grandmother Barbara said: “I can’t find the words to say how grateful we are. This operation has changed my life. I feel like a new woman.”

Michael added: “Forget about pounds, shillings and pence, we are talking about a human life. I still don’t understand how someone felt they had the right to sit there and make that decision. I thought they did away with the death sentence in this country.”

Newly-appointed Telegraph editor Alun Thorne said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have caught up with Barbara and Michael and to see that they are both doing so well.

“Stories like this really go to show how a good local paper is at the very heart of the community it serves and has an invaluable role to play in highlighting the issues that matter to its readers – whether that’s an everyday concern or a potential case of life and death, as in this case.”

The surgery means Barbara is now looking forward to celebrating Christmas with her family, while Michael is doting on his newborn grandson Charlie, who he feared he would never see.

The Telegraph’s campaign has also led to a new service being launched by NHS Coventry to help more local patients get access to the pioneering treatment.

Coventry MP Bob Ainsworth, who backed the campaign, said: “I am immensely pleased for these two patients and wish them well. The decision to commission this service is an extraordinary change of position and I am very pleased about it.”